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Mike Phillips
Uncommon Denominator
Hidden Beach Records
This young man is so off the meter... where to start? Last year he was hand picked by Prince to play on his massively successful
tour. He also plays frequently with Stevie Wonder and was in fact chosen to play with Stevie and Michael Jackson in front
of Nelson Mandela for the icon's birthday. These things alone should speak volumes of his immense talent. Pop in his latest
CD, "Uncommon Denominator," and you will be thoroughly convinced Mike Phillips is THE sax man of this era. From
the opening track, the title track, to No. 15, "If U Had A Heart," the saxophone becomes his voice. It's pure, almost
always energetic, at times melancholy (like on "Minnie"), and even romantic! "If It Takes All Night" is
one for Quiet Storm and maybe even middays... if listeners can handle it! The track is thoroughly sexy as Phillips' sax caresses
the melody and complements smoldering vocals. Another hot track is the Latin-flavored "Fiesta," layered underneath
with a Spanish guitar and persuasive percussion. A lot of the tracks are perfect for cruising... you know, when you get in
your car with the windows down and blast your Bose system... tracks such as "86th and Broadway," "Crazy,"
"Uncommon Denominator" and "Flow," which has a real old school vibe to it, almost like an Isley Brothers
cut. Back on the somber side is "If You Had A Heart," a very compelling cut that showcases not only his diversity
but his uncanny ability to pack emotion into a melody without saying a word. "Uncommon Denominator" is great stuff
from one of the premiere musicians of our time!
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An All Star Tribute To Luther
So Amazing
J Records
Don't even have to listen to this to know it's a must buy, but I did! As with its title, it's so amazing. The Usher track,
"Superstar," is already a favorite on a lot of radio stations, especially after his magnificent performance on "Oprah"
the day of the CD's release. Fantasia is wonderful, of course, on "'Til My Baby Comes Home," as is Donna Summer
on "Power Of Love." Another radio favorite is sure to be Alice Keys with Jermaine Paul on "If This World Were
Mine." Another "wow" track is the compelling duet recorded years ago with Elton John and Luther: "Anyone
Who Had A Heart." Two legendary voices, one track... Lord have mercy! Celine Dion steps to the plate in her usual classy
and full-bodied stylw on the stunning "Dance With My Father." And then there's Patti LaBelle, tearing up the classic
Luther track "Here And Now" as only Patti can do. Truly one of the best cuts on this amazing album is John Legend's
version of "Love Won't Let Me Wait." He sounds so much like the originator of this sexy love song, Major Harris,
it will blow your mind. Other contributors include Mary J. Blige on "Never Too Much," Beyoncé and Stevie Wonder
on "So Amazing," Aretha Franklin totally re-inventing "A House Is Not A Home," Wyclef John giving new
vibes to "Always & Forever," Babyface laying his sexy self down on "If Only For One Night," Angie
Stone on "Since I Lost My Baby" and Jamie Foxx setting new standards on "Creepin'."
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CeCeWinans
Purified
Peak Epic Records
CeCe Winans has one of those voices that is an attraction in itself. In other words, she could sing pop, soul, Gospel or the
phone book and folks would listen. She has a spanking new CD, "Purified," and it is just that... pure music from
one of our American treasures. The CD opens with "Mama's Kitchen," a back-in-the-day track reminiscent of an Arrested
Development cut but on a softer tip. It's produced by Tommy Sims, who has worked with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, the
Neville Brothers and Wynonna Judd. He also produced several other tracks on the 13-song CD, which also features production
from nephew Mario Winans, the amazing Keith Thomas (Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams, BeBe Winans) and Ann Selby (Michelle Williams,
Smokie Norful). Truly inspirational is "You Will," which is backed by the Born Again Choir, Nashville Strings and
Darwin Hobbs. Mario Winans put his talents into "Pray," a get-up-and-clap, stomp, rock-to cut that bounces and jams
in Kirk Franklin fashion. Mario, by the way, not only produced and wrote "Pray," he also played all instruments
on it. Crystal light and gorgeous in its fragility is "All That I Need," which rolls gently into a beautiful climax.
Lovely and light describes "You Are Loved," another one of those relationship songs that could apply to an emotional
situation as well as a spiritual one. Very hip with a potent percussion and acoustic guitars, "Everything" is dynamic,
rollicky and pure joy, while "I Promise" delves into the total commitment of real love. A personal favorite is the
effervescent "Colorful World." Bottom line... lots of solid tracks from a beautiful voice.
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