Sounding Off. - Review - sound recording review

Ebony, April, 2001 by Lynn Norment

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT has reunited after a five-year hiatus and is back in stride with a great new recording, Heroes of the Harvest. It kicks off with the instrumental title title track that has a jazzy, laid-back groove that sets the tone for the 19-song set. Another standout is "In Tha South," which offers a perky, hypnotic beat under lyrics that give a taste of life in the South. Then there's Rasa Don's reggae take on "Hit the Road Jack," the jazzy, romantic "Conditional Love," and Eshe delivering exceptional, funky vocals on "If U Want Me to Stay." Speech raps down negative lyrics on "Lost Soldiers," which features Kurtis Blow. Throughout the recording, the earthy, soulful foursome offers rhythmic soul laced with hip-hop beats, such as that found on "Somewhere in North Georgia."

Jazz vocalist CARLA COOK covers a range of great material on her new recording, Dem Bones (MaxJazz). Among the standouts is the title song, which Cook composed with three trombones in mind. Another favorite is her take on the country pop tune, "Ode to Billy Joe," on which she puts a soulful groove. She also jazzes up a favorite hymn from her childhood, "Come, Ye Disconsolate." Throughout the 11-song set, Cyrus Chestnut is featured on piano and organ, and Cook's distinctive voice is the star.

The talented, soulful quartet 112 is back with a greatly anticipated third recording, Part III, on Bad Boy Entertainment. The CD is a sizzling mix of up-tempo songs and sensuous ballads that showcase the vocal power of the talented four who have matured into young men and have grown as singers, songwriters and producers. Among the favorites are the percolating "It's Over Now," the emphatic "Missing You," and the jamming tunes "Dance With Me" and "Peaches & Cream."

ALSO NOTED: Jamie Hawkins debut (Elektra); Lionel Richie, Renaissance (Island/Def Jam); Maxwell, Now (Columbia); Down to Earth soundtrack (Epic); Lil' Wayne, Lights Out (Cash Money/Universal); Alicia Keys, The Life (J Records); Save the Last Dance soundtrack (Hollywood); Beatnuts, Take It or Squeeze It (Loud); Carl B. Henry, RNB (First Madison Music); Fredro Starr, Firestarr (Koch); Juvenile, Project English (Cash Money); Project Pat, Mista Don't Play (Loud); The Transitions, Back in Da Days (BIV 10); Tracey Lee, Live From the 215 (Universal); Melvin Riley, Bedroom Stories (Bogard); Etta James, Love Songs (Universal); The Whispers, Greatest Slow Jams (The Right Stuff); Petals: The Minnie Riperton Collection (The Right Stuff/Capitol); Yolanda Adams, The Experience (Elektra); Shadonna debut (Marxan); Charles Woolfork and Covenant, Tru2God (Marxan); Allen & Allen, Love Sweet Love (AAMG); True Believers, Don't Count Me Out (Blackberry); Boycott soundtrack (EMI/HBO), featuring Karen Clark-Sheard, Kirk Franklin, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Aaron Neville, BeBe Winans, and Stevie Wonder, among others; Tim Cunningham, Waiting for Love (TAWC); Pieces of a Dream, Acquainted with the Night (Heads-Up); Soulive, Doin' Something (Blue Note); David Young, Appassionata (Big Chicago); Olu Dara, Neighborhoods (Atlantic); Morgan Heritage, More Teachings (VP Records); I Roy, Touting I Self (Heartbeat); and Queens of Comedy (Universal).