First Listen: Raheem DeVaughn helps Vandell Andrew to "Chill"

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    (February 16, 2019) Ready for a smart mesh of feel-good uplifting sultry soulful jazz and sexy grown folks’ R&B? Then brace yourselves. Dallas, TX-based saxophonist Vandell Andrew teams up with the self-proclaimed Love King Raheem DeVaughn on the Chill AF Mix of “Joyful Noise,” a dreamy slow jam that pours Marvin Gaye neo-soul on a palette of smooth jazz. And DeVaughn, who has bested a host of modern Quiet Storm gems like “Woman” and last year’s “Don’t Come Easy,” offers up one of his vocal exercises ever here. His crooning is almost ethereal thanks to a tapestry of passionate ad-libs, glowing falsetto riffs and a superb effort on backing vocals. And if you’re looking for some subtle inspiration, you’ll find the answer planted inside the chorus, where DeVaughn eases out murmurs from Psalm 100 (“Make a joyful, make a joyful, make a joyful noise”).

    (February 16, 2019) Ready for a smart mesh of feel-good uplifting sultry soulful jazz and sexy grown folks’ R&B? Then brace yourselves. Dallas, TX-based saxophonist Vandell Andrew teams up with the self-proclaimed Love King Raheem DeVaughn on the Chill AF Mix of “Joyful Noise,” a dreamy slow jam that pours Marvin Gaye neo-soul on a palette of smooth jazz. And DeVaughn, who has bested a host of modern Quiet Storm gems like “Woman” and last year’s “Don’t Come Easy,” offers up one of his vocal exercises ever here. His crooning is almost ethereal thanks to a tapestry of passionate ad-libs, glowing falsetto riffs and a superb effort on backing vocals. And if you’re looking for some subtle inspiration, you’ll find the answer planted inside the chorus, where DeVaughn eases out murmurs from Psalm 100 (“Make a joyful, make a joyful, make a joyful noise”).

    The “Chill AF” mix plays for four minutes. If only it were expanded with a well-deserved extended version. Considering our devout love for sexy soul and DeVaughn’s moody music, SoulTrackers all over should be joyful over this track and will assuredly have it on repeat during February – the month of love – and beyond. But sound off below in this “First Listen” and let us know what you think.

    By J Matthew Cobb

    Vandell Andrew feat. Raheem DeVaughn
    "Joyful Noise" (Chill AF Mix)