SOUNDING Off - recorded music

Ebony, July, 1999 by Lynn Norment

The Best In Recorded Music

ROY Ayers continues to mesmerize listeners with his mastery of the vibraphone, as he so brilliantly demonstrates on his new release, Smooth Jazz (Ubiquity Music). It is the first all-instrumental album that Ayers has released since 1968, and as usual, he wrote, arranged and produced the entire 13-track set. From the techno-ladened "E-Funk," on through the peppery, saucy "Spice" to the fresh, spring-like "And One To Go," and the smooth-as-silk "Smooth Jazz," Ayers makes it clear that he knows his instrument well. On his personal favorites, the uptempo "Every Time" and the rhythmic "Woodpecker," he percolates, creating the perfect musical backdrop for a leisurely drive on a beautiful day. While some devoted fans will miss his earthy vocals, Roy nevertheless showcases his mastery of the instrument, his beloved vibes.

Chante Moore returns from a long hiatus to deliver a new recording, This Moment is Mine (MCA), and in the process demonstrates that she still has one of the prettiest voices in the music business. Throughout the 14-track set, she hints of personal feelings and experiences. Among the standout tunes is the melancholy "I Cry to Myself," which has a jazzy, bluesy feel. Then there are the fervent, passionate ballad "In My Life," the easy-flowing, romantic "Easy," and the self-assured title song, "This Moment is Mine." On each of the songs, Moore serenades listeners with easyflowing tempos and beautiful vocals.

Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago showcase their many talents with Generation X Celebration (CGI), a fitting title for an energetic recording that features a choir with members whose ages range from 7 to 17. The gifted Whitman brings out the best in his youth with fine writing and eompositions, and with fresh, energetic arrangements. "My Father Knows," which features LeCresia Campbell, is a beautiful ballad, while Deitrick and Damita Haddon deliver stirring vocals on the anthem-like "Stop The Tears." There's also the jubilant "Power," and the jazzy "Play On" instrumental interlude, written and performed by Aaron Lindsay. A standout is the timeless "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," with Keisha MeFarland on vocals. Whitman does an excellent job as lead vocalist, arranger, choir director and mentor to this great cadre of youthful talent.

ALSO NOTED: Marsalis Plays MonkStandard Time Vol. IV (Columbia); Joe Sample/Lalah Hathaway, The Song Lives On (PRA); Pharoah Sanders, Save Our Children (Verve); Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Live in Swing City-Swingin' With Duke (Columbia); Charles Lloyd, Voice in the Night (ECM); T.S. Monk, Crosstalk (N2K); Ultimate Divas: The Greatest Female Vocalists of Our Time (Arista), featuring Billie Holiday, Lena Home, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, among others; Live & More Encore: VH1 Presents Donna Summer (Epic); Silk, Tonight (Elektra); Dionne Warwick-The Definitive Collection (Arista); Chantay Savage, This Time (RCA).