BLUES&SOUL REVIEWS:
THE EMBERS: Bluewater Recordings
BEACH MUSIC - SUPER COLLABORATION ALBUM

The Embers is a self-contained soulful sextet that has been spearheading the revival in "Beach Music," a nostalgic, adult-oriented amalgam of R&B, pop and easy listening that is popular on America's east coast. Expertly helmed by producer/songwriter, Charles Wallert (who has previously worked with Dionne Warwick, The Main Ingredient and George Benson), this lovely CD includes some star-studded cameos, which definitely add to the album's soulful lustre. Chief among the collaborators is jazz/R&B veteran, George Benson, who supplies an ultra-smooth lead vocal and tasty guitar licks on the superb dance cut, "New York City," arguably the album's outstanding cut. The former Main Ingredient front man, Cuba Gooding, adds his husky vocal tones to the magical mid-tempo groove, "Meant To Be In Love," while O.C. Smith (of "Little Green Apples" fame) performs an update of his infectious 1987 R&B hit, "Brenda," and also fronts a pleasant remake of The Drifters' "Save The Last Dance For Me." The album's quality is underlined by the presence of Big Apple session stalwarts Angela Clemmons and Vaneese Thomas on backgrounds, a horn section featuring Randy Brecker and Jon Faddis and percussionist Bashiri Johnson. Although an '80s retro-vibe prevails, there's nothing dated or old hat about this excellent collection of songs, which is one of the most consistently enjoyable CDs I've heard in ages. For more information, check out www.bluewaterrecordings.com

Charles Waring