Search - Brother 2 Brother :: Forever

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 09/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My, my, my, there's some tasty stuff on this new disc. It starts right off with the first track, the new radio single, "Off the Hinges." This is a hip, hooky, and hot piece of music that is a hit by my ears! Excellent guitar work, cool scatting, and a mellow groove make this an outstanding first listen to the music of the brothers Carter; Chaz (drums) and Winston (guitar). Track # 2 is a knockout cover of the Luther Vandross tune, "My, My, My" and something that I borrowed from to start this review. FOREVER is an extremely well-crafted album of urban-flavored Smooth Jazz, nicely balanced between in-the-pocket instrumentals and classy vocals. I especially like "Hey Love," featuring the vocals of Melodye Perry. The instrumental version of this song is a winner too, and it features label mate Phillip Martin on sax. Somehow you can tell when musicians really "get it," and have an innate feel for what works and what doesn't work for a certain genre of music. When it comes to Smooth jazz, the brothers Carter clearly get it with FOREVER. This is an album I really like, and heartily recommend. Charles and Winston are from Pittsburgh, and want to spin that "brotherly love" thing that Philly is famous for, by doing a makeover of the steel city's slogan, calling it the "City of Brotherly Jazz." Judging from Brother 2 Brother's debut, it sounds to me like they're a slum-dunk! ~Scott O'Brien

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