Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Emotions. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
This one literally grabs your attention right out of the gate with A Million Ways and won't let go until the very last note of the very last song Anything, which is another great track by the way.
Pop music fans will recognize some of the well known guests that have been assembled to play along with Downing on several of the tracks. Artists like Norman Brown and Kirk Whalum just to name a couple.
Overall Emotions is excellent from beginning to end. One of those CDs that after a few listens the songs are just etched into your memory. A must have for the Pop fan. Really sensational from beginning to end.
While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are track 1 - A Million Ways, track 4 - Falling In Love, and track 9 - Riding On A Cloud.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 5 - Hey There Lonely Girl. This is a great track!
Emotions Release Notes:
Will Downing originally released Emotions on Oct 14, 2003 on the GRP Records label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. A Millon Ways 2. King Of Fools 3. Daydreaming 4. Falling In Love 5. Hey There Lonely Girl 6. Rhythm Of U & Me 7. Beautiful To Me 8. Another Sad Story 9. Riding On A Cloud 10. Anything
Personnel: Will Downing (vocals); Ira Siegal, Norman Brown, Wayne Bruce, Dwight Sills, Phillip Hamilton, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum (tenor saxophone); Nicholas Payton (trumpet); Chris Davis, Rex Rideout, George Duke, Barry Eastmond, Ronnie Foster (keyboards); Dwayne 'Smitty" Smith, Alex Al, Melvin Davis, Ronnie Garrett, Ron Jerkins (bass); Michael White, John Robinson, Bernard Davis (drums); Luis Conte, Bashiri Johnson (percussion); Isaac Coleman, Kim Brewer, Nikki Richards (background vocals). Producers include: Will Downing, Chris Davis, Ronnie Foster, Rex Rideout, Barry J. Eastmond.
Unfortunately, it's not everyday that I get a CD from an artist that I can just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. There is usually a song or two that I just can't force myself to get through. Not at all the case with Heatwave. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.
Heatwave has a pleasantly varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very well written songs by this clearly talented artist. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Clearly drawing from what I can only imagine are real life experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions like love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They're all here.
The nice thing about a CD like this is with this level of talent even if Smooth Jazz isn't your favorite genre you still can't help but appreciate the greatness of the artist.
If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this album. Overall Heatwave is an outstanding release. I give it my double thumbs up. You will not be disappointed with one single track.
While the entire album is outstanding some of my favorites are track 2 ? Your Sweet Smile, track 4 ? Too Cool (To Be Hot), and track 12 ? I Meant What I Said.
My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 3, Riverside Drive. Outstanding!
Heatwave Release Notes:
Gregg Karukas originally released Heatwave on Oct 22, 2002 on the N-Coded Music record label.
CD Track List Follows:
1. Uptown Rendezvous 2. Your Sweet Smile 3. Riverside Drive 4. Too Cool (To Be Hot) 5. Healing Song 6. Heatwave 7. Penthouse View 8. Brooklyn Nights 9. Home To You 10. Last Train 11. Remember When 12. I Meant What I Said
Personnel: Gregg Karukas (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Andy Suzuki (saxophone, flute, alto flute); Dino Soldo, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum (saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet, flugelhorn); Nick Lane (trombone); Michael O' Neil, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Mel Brown, Jervonny Collier (bass); William Kennedy, John Lewis (drums); Luis Conte (congas, tambourine, percussion). Includes liner notes by Gregg Karukas. Guests: Dave Koz/Kirk Whalum/ Rick Braun/Paul Jackson Jr.
Clyde Lee Dennis has sinced written about articles on various topics from CD Review, Keyboard Synthesizer and CD Review. Clyde Lee Dennis a life long music enthusiast, writes CD reviews and is also the Travel Editor at Baltimore.eNewsBriefs.com covering topics like. Clyde Lee Dennis's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.