Kyle Eastwood

With his fourth release as leader, the jazz bassist balances a set of mainstream jazz without going the easy-listening route. Recorded in Paris with trumpeter Till Bronner, this album holds together even as individual tunes, like moody ballad "Bold Changes" and the witty, funky "Rue Perdue," diverge stylistically. "Bel Air" and "Hot Box" are more complex bop showcases, yet they retain a populist edge. French pop star Camille appears on the dreamy title cut, and "Live for Life" is a Stevie Wonder-style neo-soul number. Eastwood deserves the kind of success at home that he has earned in Europe.