Michael Roberts Reviews The Embers New CD
The Embers Beach Music Super Collaboration Album:
Bluewater Recordings: BLWR1001: (May 2004):

Just released, the long awaited Embers newest has finally hit the streets. The project whose pre-release hype, samplers and promotional events touted the project: As a production that would wake the world to not just the phenomenal talent of the Embers but to the world of Beach Music. But due to changes within the group, personal friendships, animosities and perhaps petty jealousies a good bit of negative street jabber ensued. So when I received the final mix I had to struggle to set aside the preconceptions that had begun to seep in. But to be frank, it didn't take but about two tracks to tell me that the negativism that had preceded this project had no basis in fact. And by the time I completed my first full listen to the entire project I knew for sure that the nay Sayers were so far off track that they'd needed a compass as well as a guide to find their way back to reality.

On a project such as this I could do a track-by-track comparison and contrast but I shall not. I will tell you my favorites but before I get to those let me tell a bit about the overall product. Previously, I mentioned that it was being highly touted. Touted as a project that was world class. Well folks, the hype was right! Production values are exceptional! This quality is easily recognized by the use of multiple horns, real strings and talented supporting background vocalists. Overall the arrangements are textured so as to offer simple melodies and easy to remember lyrics all balanced to showcase either the vocalists or the instrumentation that is significant to the piece. Additionally, sprinkled throughout one catches a whiff of signature modulations, or phrasings typical of the Wallert influence. Before I get to my personal favorites you should know that I am not going to comment on the early promotional tracks (Beach Music and We Made Them Dance) nor will I comment on the two classic O.C. Smith tracks. It's not that these are bad, no far from it, but they've received enough attention and to be frank I believe there are other tracks of significance on this project that should receive attention. To begin with Track Two "Ain't No Use" performed by the newest member of the Embers is a sexy little tune with obvious Latin influences that not only is a fine introduction to Jerry but demonstrates the diversity of the Embers as a group of performers. But wait track 14; "All I Ever Wanted" also suggests that Jerry has a much smoother side. Track three (Back in My Bed) performed by the other lead vocalist /sax player (Mark Black) turns the energy down but increases the sexual intensity not only through Marks personal interpretation vocally but his deft instrumental presentation on the bridge. Darryl Tookes presentation of "Dance With Me" is smooth and clearly front line material. Darryl's ability to slip seamlessly into and out of falsetto is comparable to the Great Russell Thompkins, Jr. Track five (Live and Let Live) brings the Embers together with Darryl Tookes and La Tanya Hall in a blending and bending that yields what surely is a contemporary belly rubber that will certainly make it in the AC market. Giving us a harder edge and ever increasingly energized drive Mark Black paired with the group and under scored by the use of strings shows us another facet in his multifaceted scheme. Track eight entitled "Lifetime Guarantee" performed by Ronnie Limar is an exceptional track. Not only are the words and melody memorable but also Ronnie's presentation is as soft and caressing as the message the lyrics convey. Without a doubt if the marketing guys for Bluewater can get this one into the Adult Contemporary market it will be a major success! Coral, the Embers and some exceptionally precise engineering make "My World Revolves Around You" another track that offers more than a promise. It delivers in a manner that is sure to please. Cuba Gooding's performance on "Meant To Be In Love" is another demonstration of a pro that knows how to sell a word or phrase so we feel the message. Brother George Benson gives us all the drive and metropolitan flavor of the Big Apple in not just his vocal presentation but with the magic he delivers on his guitar on track twelve (New York City). Track thirteen "Some Kind of Somebody" is a funky little drive whose title pretty much says it all not just for us plain folks but also for the Embers. Yep, just as the lyric says? "Everybody wants to be somebody". Except in this case the Embers are the one who now have the opportunity to be that someone and this funky little groove says it!

On the "Give It To Mikey, He'll Play It Rating Scale" this project is absolutely an A+. The Embers in collaboration with Charles Wallert have taken the soulful sounds of days gone by and whipped, stirring, mixed it until they arrived. Arrived at a new and contemporary sound that sets the new standard for what has been called Beach Music. Look for this total project to make a big bang, as it could easily be played in its entirety daily on any Adult Contempary station throughout the country.

The availability on this one should not be a problem, as I understand there is a major marketing plan in place. But just in case go to www.bluewaterrecordings.com.