Sounding off. . - The Best In Recorded Music - The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 2; The G-Spot - sound recording review

Ebony, Nov, 2002 by Lynn Norment

JAZZ saxophonist KIRK WHALUM is back with an exuberant recording, The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter 2 (Warner Jazz/Word), on which he continues his exploration of the music genre that is so dear to heart and family heritage. There are the uptempo "John 1:1" and Jonathan Butler's moving guitar solo on "Thy Kingdom Come" followed by Butler's ethereal vocals on the beautiful "Falling in Love with Jesus." Even if you didn't grow up in mournful "Old Rugged Cross," delivered with passion and verve, that transports you to Sunday church in the South. Whalum is joined by his 18-year-old guitarist son Kyle, who does an outstanding job in writing and performing "Seasons." Also featured on the recording are George Duke, Kim Burrell, Kevin Whalum (Kirk's brother), TaTa Vega, Paul Jackson Jr., and the West Angeles Church Choir on the foot-stomping "No-Word Praise." With this recording, Kirk Whalum touches the heart, soul and body.

With fervent passion, soulful vocals and great rhythms, GERALD LEVERT delivers a masterful, sexy set, The G-Spot (Elektra). On the 13 cuts, Levert offer a very personal view of life, love and sex. His smooth vocals on the rhythmic "Too Much Room" is spiced with rough, bombastic licks from Mystikal, and the legendary xylophonist Roy Ayers is featured (vocals and instrument) on the sensuous "Oh What a Night." Levert co-wrote most of the cuts with his co-executive producer, Randall Bowland. On each song, Levert's powerful vocals and provocative lyrics revisit classic soul.