Tuesday, September 08, 2009

MELBA MOORE & PHIL PERRY - THE GIFT OF LOVE

On September 29, 2009, soul diva Melba Moore and smooth jazz favorite Phil Perry team up for a new album of great duets on the inspirational The Gift of Love. Moore, a Tony Award-winning actress and vocalist who has topped the R&B Charts, starred on Broadway, TV and film (most notably in the storied musicals Hair and Purlie) and who was recently the subject on an episode of TV One's lauded documentary series Unsung and Perry, one of R&B's great balladeers known for his velvety-smooth falsetto, and who has worked with everyone from Patti LaBelle and Anita Baker to Peabo Bryson and George Duke, bring to life an unforgettable set of originals and classics. The dynamic duo are joined by producers Chris ‘Big Dog' Davis (George Clinton, Maysa, Najee) and Preston Glass (Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole and Kenny G) in association with co-producer David Nathan. The Gift of Love features a sublime mix of inspirational compositions that Melba Moore hopes will connect with individuals on a deep level. The Gift of Love marks Melba's first return to R&B since her 1990 recording Soul Exposed. Highlights on The Gift of Love include the duo's version of the Sounds of Blackness hit "Optimistic" which sets the tone for the album's upbeat and joyous vibe. Paying homage to one of music's greatest duos, Melba and Phil take on two 1968 Ashford and Simpson classics that were hits for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - "You're All I Need To Get By" (produced by Preston Glass) and "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" (produced by Chris "Big Dog" Davis). "I think Preston outdid himself with his arrangement," says Melba, "What he did is powerful. Although "You're All I Need To Get By" is an R&B song it is inspirational. He captured the power of what it means when two people really fall in love and are committed to one another. The track sounds so joyful that you just want to dance!" The Gift of Love also features a soulful and down-home version of the John P. Kee song, "It Will Be Alright," in which Melba and Phil bare it all and testify their faith. "I love John P. Kee, the great gospel singer and composer," confesses Melba. The songbird adds, "This song illustrates the classic power of what gospel is and conveys that there is a God and that no matter what is going on, you will be alright. Chris Davis did a great arrangement on the song that just drives you into a higher place. The chord changes just pull you up and hopefully Phil and I do too." Melba delivers a riveting version of the ballad "I Believe." She turns it into a real torch song and one can envision her on Broadway bringing down the house with this show-stopping number. Another highpoint is the Spinners' classic "Sadie."

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