FOREVER, FOR ALWAYS, FOR LUTHER: VOL. II - VARIOUS ARTISTS
Luther Vandross’ remarkable voice was silenced with his death in 2005, his legacy continues to inspire. Case in point is this follow-up to the 2004 Verve album that included interpretations of Vandross classics, most notably by Ledisi and Lalah Hathaway. This outing finds volume-one players Dave Koz and Kirk Whalum covering more Vandross nuggets along with fellow jazzmen like Wayman Tisdale, Gerald Albright and Najee. Adding the right amount of vocal nuances are Maysa, Kevin Whalum and Patti Austin. Rather than simply regurgitate the songs in Muzak fashion, these talented musicians inventively reinvigorate the standard cover proceedings. Jeff Lorber’s piano evokes ’80s New York soul on “For You to Love,” while guitarist Norman Brown and saxophonist Everette Harp energetically go at it on “‘Til My Baby Comes Home.” Capping the 10-song set is Will Downing’s mesmerizing take on “Superstar.” Billboard
(Rendezvous Entertainment/Universal)
