In 1988, four guys from Pasadena known as Z’Looke made a memorable impression on R&B fans with their synth-funky brand of soulful new jack swing. Even with minimal promotional support in an era when the medium of music video was nearing its zenith, the group’s catchy “Can U Read My Lips” soared to #2 on the Billboard charts. Its follow up, “Lovesick (The Cure)” just missed the top 10. Dishearteningly, label politics translated to significant delays in the release of their second album, which came and went with nary a trace when it was released three years later.
In 1988, four guys from Pasadena known as Z’Looke made a memorable impression on R&B fans with their synth-funky brand of soulful new jack swing. Even with minimal promotional support in an era when the medium of music video was nearing its zenith, the group’s catchy “Can U Read My Lips” soared to #2 on the Billboard charts. Its follow up, “Lovesick (The Cure)” just missed the top 10. Dishearteningly, label politics translated to significant delays in the release of their second album, which came and went with nary a trace when it was released three years later.
Lead singer Wayne Cee passed away all too young in 2013, but fellow members Mike Cee Carpenter, Art Zamora, and Eric J’rome Strickland have each remained active in a variety of musical endeavors. Guitarist Eric is the first to step out in front of the mic on his own, and his new single, “One Night Stand,” is likely to serve as a welcome treat to Z’Looke fans hankering for more of the group’s flava since the early ‘90s. Over a distinctly punctuated keyboard-laden groove, he delivers a layered vocal performance accented by swingin’ percussion jabs, female ad-libs, and colorful synth fills.
Take a First Listen to Eric J’rome’s solo debut, “One Night Stand,” below and let us know how his updated take on the Z’Looke sound moves you.
Eric J’rome - “One Night Stand”