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Ronnie McNeir - Ronnie Mac & Company (2007)
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To look at the resume of artists with whom Ronnie McNeir has worked is like reading a who's who in soul music: from Bobby Womack and Smokey Robinson to the Whispers and Angela Winbush. Best known for his duet with Teena Marie on the 1984 classic "We've Got to Stop Meeting Like This," Ronnie has, for the last decade, been pleasing audiences across the globe as a member of the legendary Four Tops.
With the release of his tenth solo project, Ronnie Mac & Company, McNeir delivers 17 splendid tracks of straight-up grown folk's music. A spoken intro about an unfaithful companion sets the tone for the first track, "What Goes Around Comes Back Around." Kirk Whalum drops in to bless "I'm In the Mood" with his tenor saxophone as Ronnie tickles the ivories in true soul man fashion. Other highlights include "Funkin' In Las Vegas," "I Really Need Your Help Father (Personal Testimony)," and "Down in the Neighborhood."
Ronnie Mac & Company is from the heart of a man who is all about making good soul music. His tenor voice resonates throughout the disc and his smooth voice is the epitome of cool. Recommended.
By Christopher Whaley
Comments
Ronnie Mac is Back
chidrummer - September 11th, 2007
Don’t even worry about it. Just buy this CD. Put it in your player and get ready to fall in love.
First, you’re going to fall in love with Ronnie’s voice. It’s a little bit Jarreau, a little bit Edmonds, but still clearly unique with a real nice soulful quality to it. Then you’re going to love, no, get blown away by Mr. McNeir’s keyboards skills. The man has mad fingers that make the piano and synth tracks a joy to listen to.
Of course, you’re going to fall in love with the songs too. I’m In the Mood, Tell It Like It Is and Traitors are all top notch. McNeir speaks to us on love, spirituality and just plain old fun. The songs are well written and expertly produced. The background vocals are gorgeous. They blend extremely well and serve as a wonderful frame for McNeir’s leads. There’s even some 3:2 clave (Song for My Brothers) thrown in for good measure.
Youngster Warning: This CD is full of “grown folk’s music”. Listen and learn at your own risk. For the rest of us, this project is welcome and will be enjoyed for some time to come.
-Chris Edwards
