Walter Beasley
's 2004 release
The Classic R&B Collection
makes his debt to
smooth soul
music crystal clear. It collects ten songs from his stay at
Shanachie Records
(five from
Tonight We Love
, two from
Won't You Let Me Love You
, one each from
Rendezvous
and
For Your Pleasure
as well as one from
Chuck Loeb
's
Listen
) that are drawn from such
soul
masters as
Roberta Flack
(
"Killing Me Softly"
),
Al Green
"Let's Stay Together"
Stevie Wonder
"Visions"
), and
the Temptations
"My Girl"
).
Beasley
's versions match his sweet alto tone with heavily synthesized but pleasant
smooth jazz
backings that provide for an entirely inoffensive listen. It certainly won't make anyone forget the originals, but it is good solid
by one of the masters of the form. ~ Tim Sendra