Marion Meadows – Next To You
Marion Meadows
Next To You
(Heads Up – 2000)
by Raymond Redmond
Be sure you go out and get a copy of Marion Meadows’ new release “Next To You” when it hits the shelves later this month. Due for release the 26th, the CD was produced by Yasha Barjona, Barry Eastmond and Ray Obiedo, all of whom also perform on one song or another.
The music is a mixture of Meadows’ trademark R&B-influenced contemporary jazz and Latin rhythms, and there are no duds on the disc. The first track ‘Miami’ sets the tone immediately with it’s uptempo Latin style and scat vocals (a.la. George Benson). Hot on it’s heels is another latin-influenced track “Carousel”, written by Ray Obiedo. Accompanied by the rhythms of Pete Escovedo, Marion’s sax is soulful and seductive on this salsa-soul treat.
The title tune, “Next To You” is a smooth, sultry ballad featuring the vocals of Blake Harris. “Look inside” is going to be a hit on NAS radio. It has the right amount of ‘Kenny-G-ism’ in it to be enjoyable but not remarkable. I like it, but so will the Musak crowd.
Track Six, “The Dance” is funky, but retains the jazzy, flowing Meadows style, as does the rest of the album through the closing “La Bamba”. By far my favorite is the cover of George Duke’s “No Rhyme, No Reason” this month’s hot single, but you should get the CD and decide for yourself which is best. No matter which one you choose, you are sure to like them all.
For more information, check out the Heads Up Web Site.
