Jeffrey Osborne
One of my favorite R & B groups of the 70’s was L.T.D (Love, Togetherness & Devotion). There were the powerhouse that blessed the genre with tunes like “Holding On”, “Back in Love Again” and “Love Ballad”, lead by front man and vocalist Jeffrey Osborne. Though the nucleus of the band parted ways in the early 90’s, I’ve tried to keep up with the career of Mr. Osborne, through his solo records and tours as he still is selling out concerts across the country and internationally.
Well it’s been nearly 7 years since he released an album. Fans of young and old will be pleased to know that he’s back with a new release, but on the jazz side of the spectrum called, “A Time for Love”. Now I know you may be saying “Wait a minute Bassman! This is an R&B Cat here!” Yes it is! That’s the beauty of this project. It’s an opportunity to share the genre of jazz with folks that normally would not put their ears on it.
Now though Jeffrey loves the music of Motown and doo-wop and has been embedded in the R&B world for decades now, he grew up listening to jazz standards that his father and 11 older siblings would play. So he’s been looking forward to the opportunity to make this album.
With that said, let’s explore this release! First thing to take note of is that Jeffrey Osborne is backed by an all-star cast of musicians led by pianist George Duke whom produced Jeffrey’s first 3 solo records and serves as producer of the project. George brings in some multi dimensional musicians that play in several genres; Christian McBride on upright and electric basses, John Roberts on Drums, Guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., Saxman Everette Harp, Trumpeter Rick Braun with vocal help from Chaka Khan.
Jeffrey explores 12 tunes out of the incredible American songbook to include; The Shadow of Your Smile, Smile, When I Fall in Love, & My One and Only Love. These are songs that Jeffrey grew up to and was evening singing in night clubs at the tender age of 13. The album was recorded in a live studio session with fresh arrangements to these classics, giving them a fresh approach and appreciation. Tune into WEAA all month long for an opportunity to not only hear the music, but for your opportunity to win our CD of the Month, “A Time for Love” , by vocalist Jeffrey Osborne.
