Will
Downing’s voice is one of the most distinctive, loved and instantly
recognizable voices in R&B. His flawless, emotive, buttery-smooth and agile
honey-toned baritone, along with his impeccable phrasing and jazz-fueled agile
runs, seamlessly bridge the worlds of R&B and Jazz. “I pinch myself
everyday because I can't believe that after all this time I'm still making
music for a living,” shares the charismatic singer/songwriter. “19 albums and
28 years of recording later and I'm still blessed. Truly Blessed!!” Shanachie Entertainment will release Black
Pearls (July 8, 2016), Downing’s highly anticipated CD and his first
full-length album in six years.
Black Pearls exemplifies the caliber of songs
that Downing has long been associated with. An accomplished composer in his own
right, Downing takes on the ultimate challenge on Black Pearls as he
reinvigorates chart-topping gems originally performed by some of the greatest
female voices to grace R&B. He rekindles the soul and ignites a fire in
songs made famous by Chaka Khan, Deniece Williams, Randy Crawford, Cherrelle,
Jean Carne and Phyllis Hyman, among others.
While remaining true to the essence
of the songs, Downing transforms them with the sweet nuances of his own irresistible
signature sound. “Phyllis Hyman started this whole project,” confesses the
Grammy nominated singer who has been dubbed the “Prince of Sophisticated Soul.”
“I was having a conversation with a friend who also worked with Phyllis. We
both agreed that "Meet Me On The Moon" was our favorite Phyllis tune.
My friend suggested I remake it. I called my keyboardist/arranger Mike Logan to
help with the song. After completing it, I thought maybe this is a great
opportunity to pay tribute to other female artists that I have always loved.
That’s how Black Pearls was born!”
Black Pearls
opens with the album’s first single and 1988 Cherrelle hit “Everything I Miss
At Home.” Downing originally met Cherrelle in the 90s during a USO tour. The
charismatic and charming vocalist jokes, “My sister calls ‘Everything I Miss At
Home’ the ‘you better do right song.’”
Will’s sublime performance hits all the right notes, signaling for an
enchanting journey ahead. “‘Don’t Ask My Neighbors’ has always been a favorite
of mine,” shares Downing. “The subject of communication will never grow
old." Downing admits to being a long-time fan of The Emotions, not only as
a solo act but also as backing vocalists for the likes of Earth, Wind &
Fire.
Angela
Winbush has been a good friend of Downing’s for years and he returns the favor
with an impeccable and unforgettable version her #1 hit on the Billboard
R&B charts, “Your Smile.” “Everyone that hears the beginning of this song
does one of two things. They either throw their hands in the air and say
‘That’s my jam’ or they look at me and say "no you didn't!’” Do it he
does! Will Downing will leave you breathless with his stunning version.
When you
hear the opening four notes of “Get
Here,” you instantly know what song it is thanks to Brenda Russell, who wrote
and recorded the song and Oleta Adams, who later scored a major international
hit in the early 90s. Black Pearls unites Downing with many close associates
including his wife, the beautiful and talented singer Audrey Wheeler, who has
worked with everyone from Chaka Khan and the Pointer Sisters to Freddie Jackson
and Narada Michael Walden, and that is just the short list. Celebrated
saxophonists Najee and Kirk Whalum also make appearances on Black Pearls.
“Street
Life” will put you in the groove as Downing serves up a swingin’ version of the
Randy Crawford/The Crusaders hit featuring the tenor of saxophonist Najee and
the funky keyboards of Mike Logan. Black Pearls keeps the hits flowing with
Chaka Khan and Rufus’ timeless 1977 hit “Everlasting Love.” Together with Chris
“Big Dog’ Davis, Downing wrote a riveting arrangement of one of Deniece
Williams’ signature tunes, “Black Butterfly,” a powerful anthem written by
Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil. Dexter Wansel’s “Nights Over Egypt,” is given a jazzy
and exotic treatment and features stellar flute work from saxophonist Kirk
Whalum. Phyllis Hyman’s “Meet Me On the Moon” is a standout, as Downing’s
crystal clear and velvety smooth vocals, impeccable diction and tender phrasing
conjure up the greatest of love stories.
Black Pearls closes with the magnificent “Don’t Let It Go To Your Head”
which features an orchestra and full horn section.
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