Forever, For Always, For Luther CD

Through over a quarter-century of pouring his heart into the most tender of love songs, of stirring the most passionate of fires in women everywhere, Luther Vandross has become synonymous with smooth soul. Therefore, it's not surprising that his songs would translate readily to the smoothest of jazz interpretations. On 2004's FOREVER, FOR ALWAYS, FOR LUTHER, a gathering of jazz all-stars pays tribute to the living legend.

Fittingly, the emphasis of the disc is on Vandross's ballads, which make up the bulk of his work. Saxophonists bookend the collection neatly, with Kirk Whalum gliding his way around the lightly rousing "Any Love" and Rick Braun closing the set with a take on Vandross's Grammy-winning "Dance with My Father." Another saxophonist, Mindi Abair, performs a nice rendition of one of his peppiest numbers--the 1985 hit "Stop to Love." Vandross's music also translates remarkably well to guitar, as Paul Jackson, Jr. and George Benson each offer polished, pleasant tunes. FOREVER, FOR ALWAYS, FOR LUTHER stands as a fitting homage to a modern R&B legend.

Live Recording

Tributee: Luther Vandross.

Personnel: Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi (vocals, background vocals); Cindy Mizelle, Brenda White-King, Fonzi Thornton, Lisa Fischer (vocals); Dwight Sills, George Benson , Paul Jackson, Jr. , T.M. Stevens, Ray Fuller (guitar); Brandon Fields (saxophone); Dave Koz (soprano saxophone); Mindi Abair (alto saxophone); Kirk Whalum, Richard Elliot, Boney James (tenor saxophone); Lee Thornburg (trumpet); Rick Braun (flugelhorn); Nick Lane (trombone); Brian Culbertson (piano, keyboards, bass synthesizer, drum programming); Rex Rideout (keyboards, programming); Alex Al (electric bass); Michael White , Steve Ferrone (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Ray Bardani.

Recording information: BCM Studios; Boney Studios; Brauntosauras Studios; Castle oaks; Ectasy Studios; Green Room; Hinge; Kar Studio; Tree House; Westlake Audio.

Author: Mary Ida Vandross.

Photographers: Rocky Schenck; Donald Miller; Peggy Moore; Kwaku Alston; Joanne Nerlino; Senor McGuire; Daniel Ray; Will Downing.