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Highly inspired by his parent’s discerning ear for quality music, there were many musicians (Herbie Hancock, Donnie Hathaway) and producers (Quincy Jones, Maurice White) that Rahni Song admired and respected from afar. But it was a particular interview with Melba Moore that struck this multi-gifted talent in a very persuasive way. Transitioning from his day job at age nineteen to producer and record label executive, Song initially focused on discovering and developing new artists. His first avenue was co-forming Emprise Records, which first produced the gospel project, A Different Drummer by The Family Love.
Highly inspired by his parent’s discerning ear for quality music, there were many musicians (Herbie Hancock, Donnie Hathaway) and producers (Quincy Jones, Maurice White) that Rahni Song admired and respected from afar. But it was a particular interview with Melba Moore that struck this multi-gifted talent in a very persuasive way. Transitioning from his day job at age nineteen to producer and record label executive, Song initially focused on discovering and developing new artists. His first avenue was co-forming Emprise Records, which first produced the gospel project, A Different Drummer by The Family Love. With his foot in the music industry door, Song encountered Bootsy Collins while promoting A Different Drummer. Since that critical meeting, Song continued racking up impressive credits with Freddie Jackson, George Clinton and other prolific urban talent as a producer, arranger, musician and engineer. Yet it was his keen sense of adapting to over two decades of changing industry trends that earned Song his own calling card in the industry ranks.
On his sophomore outing, Breakin’ the Rules, Song serves a ten-track helping of jazz, pop, funk and gospel originals and tributes to several urban music legends. The instrumental “Barry’s Medley” represents R&B sexiest stylist Barry White proudly with “I’m Gonna’ Love You Just A Little Bit More Baby” and “Never, Never Gonna Give You Up”; dressed up with the original funky disco orchestrations. “It’s Funkalicious Baby” finds Song throwing down on behalf of funk masters Bootsy and Clinton. Veteran saxophonist Marian Meadows turns in solid performances on both of his contributions, including “Timeless,” framed by a charming bouquet of vibraphone, strings and harmonica by Julian Davis, AKA The Harmonica Man. Two ballads on Breakin’ the Rules showcase lesser known yet respectable vocalists. While Naomi Emanuel’s calm alto accentuates the empowering “Decision,” Corey Jarrell oozes neo-soul romance on “Worth the Fall.”
Amongst the aforementioned gems are a couple of disappointments; the biggest one being the remake of the Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway trademark duet “The Closer I Get to You,” primarily due to Kevin Lee’s uneven vocals. Otherwise, Breakin’ the Rules is a powerful testament to Song’s great ear for fresh talent and his remarkable musical vision.
Vocals (collectively): 3.0 stars
Lyrics: 3.0 stars
Instrumentation: 3.0 stars
Production: 3.0 stars
SoulTracks Call: Recommended
By Peggy Oliver