Ron's World Music of Love And Hope

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Will Downing & Gerald Albright

Will Downing & Gerald Albright Playlist

Downing is known in the contemporary jazz and R&B music genres for his rich baritone vocals, and his interpretations of R&B and pop classics that stretch back to the early 1980s. Brooklyn vocalist and composer Will Downing has hovered on the cusp of stardom since the late '80s, occasionally making some arresting album cuts but never the major hit or string of records he needed to establish himself.

Downing was diagnosed with polymyositis -- a disorder causing weakness in joints and muscles. As a result, Downing recorded the majority of his vocals for 2008's After Tonight from a wheelchair. Buoyed by fan support, Downing continued to struggle against the disease and released the soulful Classique in 2009, followed by Lust, Love & Lies (An Audio Novel) on the Concord imprint in 2010.

Gerald Albright: among the most respected, multi-dimensional and sought after saxophonists to straddle the fence of jazz and R&B.

Gerald Albright may not have invented the concept of smooth jazz, but few artists have defined the genre with as much class and distinction. Tastefully blending the R&B soul of Maceo Parker into the evocative be-bop of John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderly, he created a sound that is expressive and uplifting. A multi-instrumentalist with a deft knack for finding a sensual mellow groove, he has been a presence on contemporary jazz radio for over two decades.

Friday, April 11, 2014

The Music & Life Of Phyllis Linda Hyman

The late great Tony Award nominated Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman was a statuesque and enviable beauty with a powerful voice that touched the souls of listeners. Hyman never received the acclaim that many thought she was so worthy of, but this didn’t stop her from continuing to produce the music that she was meant to do.