Chris Jasper - Invincible

Two decades removed from his significant but often underappreciated role with the Isley Brothers, Chris Jasper continues to soldier on as a solo artist. One could argue that as the writer of some of the funkiest jams and sweetest soul ballads of his generation, Jasper has nothing more to prove. But the man who wrote about making love "Between the Sheets" has spent his post Isley Brothers career singing a very different tune -- one of Christianity and the power of faith, a theme that continues on his 8th solo album, Invincible.
Lyrically, Invincible is another step forward for Jasper, as he pulls the foundation for each of the ten tracks directly from scripture, even citing his inspiration for each cut. As expected, Jasper demonstrates on Invincible that he is still a quality songwriter. Hooky tracks like the title cut, "Come On And Testify" and "Keep Reaching Higher" are among his finest solo compositions. Even more surprising is that, at age 56, Jasper's voice sounds stronger and more assured than ever, now increasing resembling Daryl Hall's (especially on cuts like "Thank You Lord") and even better representing his compositions.
The biggest challenge on Invincible is that it doesn't always play to Jasper's strengths. He's created so many memorable funk cuts and ballads, it is surprising that this disc spends so much time in-between -- mild mid-tempo numbers dominate the album. And with Jasper acting as a one man band, with a heavy dose of programmed electronics and an underrepresentation of real instruments, there is a sameness to the sound of many of the tunes that takes away from the power of the compositions. So when a true dance cut like "Come On And Testify" arrives, it is like a breath of fresh air and gives a new, more exciting feel to Invincible that makes the listener wish for more variation on the rest of the disc.
It's a great thing to see Chris Jasper still writing and singing so well as he approaches his 5th decade of recording, and there is no indication that he will be slowing the pace soon. And while it would be more powerful with expanded instrumentation and a bit more funkiness, Invincible is undoubtedly a worthy release and another solid addition to Jasper's discography

Rick James

Three years since his death have seemingly flown by. Fans of the late soul funkateer will revel in the fact that the Stone City Records has now released Deeper Still, his final studio album.
The music of Rick James has always elicited some level of shock value. A song could contain a lyric that made you rewind and take a second listen just to be sure that what you heard was exactly what you thought you'd heard. Be advised -- there are several instances of "shock" on Deeper Still. However, the sting of the highly biographical nature of the lyrics is bittersweet because it reveals a departed soul who was terribly misinterpreted by the throng of outsiders that viewed his life from seemingly blurred exteriors.
The title track is currently receiving airplay on urban stations across the nation. Rightfully deserving of the attention, this mid-tempo mellow groove shines as it draws you into a committed relationship about which James sings that is built on a forever love. It also sets the stage for a project filled with songs that exhibit a transformation and separation from the flamboyant, carefree persona that James made infamous over the years.
"Taste" is biographical in nature, and speaks of some of the pitfalls that befell James over the years, as he sought happiness in the name of love. The realization of all that is really important seems to have become evident to James a little too late. "Stroke" is another song that peels away the layers of the personal challenges that led James, as he describes his visits, to "hell and back," finding "lots of crack" and spending time inside the penitentiary. During this entire period, inevitably in a rehabilitative nature, James spent his time doing what was near and dear to his heart: creating and composing music.
"Do You Wanna Play," the strongest song on this collection, is a wonderful ballad that features guest appearances from two mature male R&B heartthrobs who are not heard from often enough (Howard Hewett and Johnny Gill) and reinforces that this album was meant to become a powerful comeback vehicle for Rick James. Closing in classic Rick James style is "Funk Wit Me," a song filled with risqué language that makes you wonder if he really sang what you'd thought you heard.
Deeper Still is a strong posthumous release that, in its diversity and in James' strong, sincere delivery, reminds us of the broad talent that Rick James possessed and why, years after his commercial peak, he was still an artist of importance. Highly recommended.

Amel Larrieux - Lovely Standards

The former lead singer of Groove Theory has done everything from R&B and soul to hip-hop and folk. On her fourth solo endeavor, Lovely Standards, Amel again steps out the box with perhaps her most intimate project to date. The 10-track disc opens with "If I Were a Bell," which has a very Thelonious Monk-type feeling to it. Listening to this cut, you get the sense that pianist Yakir Benhur channeled the spirit of the late, great Monk while Amel's honey-coated vocals takes you to a time and place when straight-ahead jazz dominated the music scene.

"Try Your Wings" is so smooth that if you closed your eyes and concentrated on the music, you could swear you were transported to Harlem circa mid-1940s. With production from her husband and musical collaborator Laru Larrieux, the Rodgers and Hammerstein composition "Something Wonderful" is given a new, fresh spin. "If I Loved You" is so profound that it captivates you from beginning to end. Closing out the album is Edward Kennedy Ellington's "I Like the Sunrise," on which Amel sounds so rich and pure against a backdrop of superb musicians that it would make "Sir Duke" more than proud. Amel Larrieux continues to march to the beat of her own drum. As she forges her path and shatters stereotypes along the way, it won't be long before we hear a foreign language project or her moving in the direction of a different musical genre.