to listen or purchase
Call it a laid back smooth jazz spectacular with an earful of blue-eyed soul. With his casual baritone, coated with grit and gruffly phrasing, RJ Ross and his University of Soul ensemble affably delivers an easy-listening experience that merges Motown with California soul's polished bravado on Face to Face. With such a low register, there's only so much his voice is able to jolt, but exercising good judgment Ross smartly allows the music to drive these performances, engulfing listeners in orchestral sounds. When Ross reinterprets a few classics, he infuses his mellow swagger into contemporary jazz facelifts of Steely Dan's "Do It Again," America's "Ventura Highway" and George Gershwin's "Summertime." While these covers may not compare to their originals, their refreshed jazz arrangements comfortably fit Ross. Unfortunately, when it's his turn to reveal new compositions, the album slumps into a B-side affair, as personified by the show tune flavored title track.
Call it a laid back smooth jazz spectacular with an earful of blue-eyed soul. With his casual baritone, coated with grit and gruffly phrasing, RJ Ross and his University of Soul ensemble affably delivers an easy-listening experience that merges Motown with California soul's polished bravado on Face to Face. With such a low register, there's only so much his voice is able to jolt, but exercising good judgment Ross smartly allows the music to drive these performances, engulfing listeners in orchestral sounds. When Ross reinterprets a few classics, he infuses his mellow swagger into contemporary jazz facelifts of Steely Dan's "Do It Again," America's "Ventura Highway" and George Gershwin's "Summertime." While these covers may not compare to their originals, their refreshed jazz arrangements comfortably fit Ross. Unfortunately, when it's his turn to reveal new compositions, the album slumps into a B-side affair, as personified by the show tune flavored title track. Only the original "Only Dreamers," with its bluesy Pointer Sister banter, comes out strong. Of the covers, the standouts are Ross's exciting take on the Beatles' "Drive My Car" and the stalking tempo, sassy background vocals and moody, stylistic gusto of Ross's experimental rendition of Gladys Knight's "I've Got to Use My Imagination." Luckily, Ross's talented roster and his own effective piano playing make even the most generic song on Face seem gratifying. Notable songs: "Ventura Highway," "Only Dreamers," "Drive My Car," "Do It Again" and "I've Got to Use My Imagination" Vocals: 3 stars Lyrics: 2.5 stars Music: 3.5 stars Production: 3 stars SoulTracks Call: Recommended
By J. Matthew Cobb