Jackiem Joyner – Baby Soul
Jackiem Joyner
Baby Soul
(Artizen – 2006)
by Ray Redmond
It’s rare for a musician still in his mid-20s to possess the depth of talent, maturity and vision that saxophonist-flutist-songwriter-producer Jackiem Joyner exhibits. Joyner’s new release marks the arrival of a new talent in the jazz industry, yet this cat is an old soul who embodies the class of a Grover Washington and the smooth of a Gerald Albright.
Babysoul opens with a shuffling beat on the energizing “This Time Around.” Joining Jackiem is a high-powered group of jazz musicians that includes trumpeter Rick Braun and guitarist Peter White who delivers some smart guitar riffs on the sexy Stay With Me Tonight. “Just Groove” is a funky, swinging jam with big horns.
The amorous “In Love Again” is a mid-tempo flute and sax duet. Joyner beautifully covers the sexy “Say Yes,” originally recorded by Floetry. “Share My Tears” is a down-tempo commercial ballad. Named for his wife, “Lola” is intricately musical with sax and flute carrying the melody while the beat dances frenetically. “Unforgiven” is another steamy Quiet Storm romancer. Upbeat sax and flute interact in a call-and-response dialect on “Elevation.” Closing the album is “Innocence,” a poignant, heartfelt slow jam.
Give it a spin…
