Over 30 years after creating some of the biggest hits in R&B together, Jeffrey Osborne and George Duke have reunited, taking on classic love songs and pop standards in A Time For Love. Released for Valentine's Day 2013, the CD pairs the Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artist with George Duke, one of the greatest jazz and R&B producers of all time, to create a collection of beloved songs updated with incredible arrangements and Osborne's signature baritone. His trademark smooth, romantic vocals breathe new life into these timeless classics. Listeners will be charmed by the clever arrangements on standards like "What A Wonderful World, " "Smile, " "Nature Boy, " "My One and Only Love" and Osborne's duet with Chaka Khan, "Baby, It's Cold Outside. " Both sentimental and tender, the 12 tracks on A Time For Love will light a fire when the lights are low -- it's the ideal album for an enchanted Valentine's Day or any time you want to set a special mood. ~ Amazon.com
Bassist Harvie S' association with piano legend Kenny Barron dates back at least to 1986 when they first recorded a series of duets together with spare time left from another recording session. Witchcraft is cut from the same cloth as their previous album, with S and Barron coaxing quite a variety of textures and color from the two-instrument format, exploring all the tonal possibilities available to them. With its varied set list of standards and jazz tunes, enjoy an hour of some fine and intimate music making with Kenny Barron and Harvie S. ~ Amazon.com
One of the deepest soul sets from Esther Phillips' 70s years on Kudu Records – a set with some nicely gritty grooves and a surprisingly earthy feel at times – especially when compared to some of her other albums of the time! Backings are by James Brown's old reedman, Pee Wee Ellis – and although there's some of the usual Kudu electric funk in the mix, there's also some deeper soul elements too – a vibe that's often a bit laidback and open, almost more Atlantic Records at points – which is a mighty good fit for Esther's wonderful voice! As usual for Kudu, the players are an all-star lineup – one that includes Richard Tee on keyboards, George Benson on guitar, Maceo Parker on tenor, and Bernard Purdie and Billy Cobham on drums – and Don Sebesky's also on deck a bit, to sweeten a few tracks up with light strings. The album's got a great version of Bill Withers' "Use Me" that features a tasty break in the intro – and other titles include a great version of "Alone Again (Naturally)", plus the cuts "Let's Move & Groove", "Cherry Red", "Let Me In Your Life", and "You & Me Together". ~ Dusty Groove