LITTLE ROCK — The Terence Blanchard GroupChoice ConcordA
While any record that prominently features Cornel West in any capacity other than perhaps the writing of liner notes (love ya, Doc, but Sketches of My Culture was awkward) is suspect, Terence Blanchard manages to easily integrate the Princeton prof's musings on life choices and music as sublime language into what reads as a dialogue between eloquent voices who've reached each other speaking their own language. Blanchard's a seasoned pro now, and his warm trumpet tone is generous enough to occasionally yield to his excellent sextet (pianist Fabian Almazan, bassist Derrick Hodge, drummer Kendrick Scott, guitarist Lionel Loueke and saxophonist Walter Smith III).
Yet the best tracks - the cinematic "D's Choice" and "Robin's Choice" - were written by Blanchard and have the feel of instant standards, worthy of the jazzmen of the '50s and '60s from whom Blanchard is spiritually descended.
- PHILIP MARTINMac McAnally Down by theRiver Show DogA-
Singer, songwriter and producer Mac McAnally recorded his debut album 32 years ago. He's not a household name, but Jimmy Buffett has recorded several of McAnally's songs and he is producing Buffett's next album. McAnally also wrote three No. 1 hits for Sawyer Brown including "Thank God for You," Alabama's "Old Flame," and Kenny Chesney's "Down the Road." McAnally's latest is an earful of varied styles and well-written, well-sung songs. "Blame It on New Orleans" has a great horn section and killer piano; "Over and Out" is a smart western swing and gypsy jazz fusion; "If You Hang Around Long Enough" is great honky-tonk; and "You First" is a lovely ballad. It's long past time for McAnally to be well-known in his own right.
- ELLIS WIDNERSean Paul Imperial BlazeVP/AtlanticA-
Sean Paul's blend of melodic reggae-infused dance-hall music is guaranteed to warm the impending fall months. The 20 pulse-pounding, rhythmic tracks that make up his fourth album are a mix of uptempo dance cuts like "So Fine" and "Private Party" and slow tracks like the Keri Hilson-aided "Hold My Hand."
The undisputed champion is the classic "Straight FromMy Heart," with its vintage reggae bounce and feel. The song's bass line will put any sound system to the test.. Some might think 20 cuts is a bit much, given Paul's sometimes difficult to comprehend lyrical style.
-SHON MCPEACEThe Bottle Rockets Lean ForwardBloodshotB+
The Bottle Rockets have been at this since 1993, and the years have seen the Missouri natives evolve into a very professional bar band, one that swears by the old-time gospel of drums and guitars. Lean Forward only occasionally veers off the rock road onto light country and blues detours. What separates The Bottle Rockets from thousands of other competent bar bands is the songwriting, specifically on "The Kid Next Door," a haunting, clear-eyed look at a casualty of war that hits close to home. Everything that "The Kid Next Door" is, "Solitaire," a rather soggy and embarrassing song about card games as a metaphor for love, isn't. There is no doubt that many will find The Bottle Rockets too sleepy and old-fashioned, but the band gives good return for the investment. There's value here.
- WERNER TRISCHMANNRadney Foster and the ConfessionsRevival Devil's RiverA-
Smart country has always been an iffy commercial proposition, but 20 years ago it felt like Radney Foster (and partner Bill Lloyd) might develop into something like a Nashville-based Squeeze - an intelligent songwriting/performance combine bringing power pop sensibilities to country. It worked for about two albums, but on his own, the sporadically successful Foster has yet to find a consistent style - flirting with straight-up pop as well as R&B and traditional country. Yet while the songwriting is hit and miss, Foster may have found his niche with this deeply personal, nonironic quasi-gospel bluegrass album. - PHILIP MARTINTrey Songz ReadyAtlanticA
Crooner Trey Songz is ready to take the next step, one that will distinguish him from other young singers such as Chris Brown and Omarion and move him to a more mature sound akin to Usher, Ginuine and R. Kelly.
"Ready" is a sensual love soundtrack for the "snuggle months," as the days get shorter and the temp heads southward. Ballads such as "Neighbors Know My Name," "One Love," "Ready to Make Luv" and the intriguing "Jupiter Love" set the mood for love.
Even songs that should gunk up the works, work. The tragically-titled "LOL :-)" overcomes its ridiculous title and the presence of two of hip-hop's most average MC's - Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy. The Fisha and Price-produced (can't make this stuff up folks) song almost muddles the album's flow, but Trey saves it with his playfully seductive tone. Sensation Drake adds flash to the smoky and smooth "Successful." - SHON MCPEACE
Style, Pages 57 on 09/20/2009