Music Reviews
Gordon Chambers — Surrender
May 7, 2017
Some album titles are simply clever, some just catchy. Then, there are the titles that carry a message and a motivation behind them that are as heavy as the world itself. Such is the case with latest release from singer/songwriter Gordon Chambers titled Surrender, a soulful album chock full of emotion and conscience.
Having accrued two decades of writing for such legends as Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Angie Stone, and Gladys Knight, as well as recording three great solo efforts of his own, Chambers steps out here on this album with a profound sense of how life can be loaded with game-changers and new directions. “During the last five years of my life, I’ve been truly, truly tested,” he says. Having to weather the passing of five family members and his friend and collaborator, the late great songstress Whiney Houston, he found himself dealing with the weight of sadness and change. While going through the motions of doing everything expected of him (touring, speaking in schools, mentoring songwriters, etc.), he says “I was “crying and struggling with my relevance.” Read full review
Norman Brown – Let It Go
Apr. 7, 2017
Going well beyond the usual superior musical gifts and prowess he shares so graciously with us with each album, the very personable, well-grounded guitar guru Norman Brown (someone who’s one of guitar legend George Benson’s favorites – what higher honor can one receive??) opens another door with his latest release Let It Go, a door that allows us a glimpse into the innermost being of a man who is deeply reflective and philosophical when it comes to life and all it offers. This is one project that somewhat differs from the guitarist’s typical grooves in that one is riveted for reasons more profound than that. Yes, Brown remains one of the funkiest, smoothest, most adept Grammy-winning artists around, but this sober, reflective, deliberate side is as appealing as any of his music. Read full review
Selena Albright — Conversations
Mar, 28, 2017
Yes, I’m sure that many of us knew this was inevitable and were anticipating when Selena Albright, this nightingale daughter of one of the most gifted and personable musicians around today (Gerald Albright) would release her debut album. Well, it’s here – entitled Conversations – and well worth the wait.
With a healthy coating of R&B, the comely vocalist lays into an array of originals and one cover (Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy”) with the emotion you’d expect from one who grew up watching and listening to her dad tear it up in the studio and live on numerous occasions. With her clever, mature, and classy handling of the material here –which, by the way, fit her strong and becoming voice to a tee – she is practically guaranteed to woo listeners far and wide. Read full review
About the Reviewer – Ronald Jackson
Ron has been a music aficionado for decades. In fact, he was a vocalist, guitarist, and writer in the R&B, Blues, and Classic Rock genres from his preteens on through five decades and counting! He has also enjoyed Smooth Jazz, New Age, World, and Latin music for decades. After reluctantly deciding to relinquish his dream of becoming a national performer, he chose to use his professional writing skills (having minored in English in college and working as a writer with several Federal agencies for over 30 years before retiring) to make this significant contribution to this industry he so loves.
Ron developed a deep love for contemporary/ Smooth Jazz beginning in 1990 and has chosen that genre as his main focus, though he has now opened the door for a couple of his other musical loves, as well (as seen here on the Latin Fiesta and Blues Bus pages). He also hosted his creation, Smooth Conversations on BlogTalkRadio, for several years and is currently preparing to “resurrect” that radio program via a different host medium soon.
Being quite adept at all things music, and having established a working and personal relationship with many artists, labels, and various PR personalties, he is certainly the perfect “driver” to steer The Smooth Jazz Ride.
