Kevon Edmonds - 24-7 CD

24-7 CD music (saxophone, keyboards, vocals); Abdul Raoof (trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion); Jason "T.C." Bryant (keyboards, vocals); John Alexander Simpson (bass, vocals); James Earl Jones III (drums, vocals); Jerome "JT" All songs written by James Harris III and Terry Lewis except "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" (Harold Clayton/Sigidi) and "What's Wrong With Our Love Affair?" (Jason Bryant). Like all greatest-hits or best-of compilations, this one is missing some key ingredients, namely "S.O.S. (Dit Dit Dit Dat Dat Dat Dit Dit Dit)" and "Just the Way You Like It." Since the band didn't record tons of material and was only active a short time, the omissions are hard to fathom. It's not like they didn't have room on the CD; only ten songs are compiled here. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are well represented with eight songs. Despite the omissions, this is still good listening. Mary Davis' vocals are irresistible; she can do it all. On "Take Your Time (Do It Right)," she shows her funk side, matching the driving, disco-like beat with some powerful vocals. On "Tell Me if You Still Care," she sings in a softer voice, similar to a Smokey Robinson production for Mary Wells. She sings "Just Be Good to Me" with so much conviction that you believe she wrote it. ~ Andrew Hamilton 1. Take Your Time (Do It Right) 2. Finest 3. Even When You Sleep 4. Weekend Girl 5. Tell Me If You Still Care 6. Just Be Good to Me 7. Sands of Time 8. No One's Gonna Love You 9. High Hopes 10. What's Wrong With Our Love Affair? Willie "Sonny" Killebrew (saxophone, flute, vocals); Billy "B.E." Ellis Thomas (drums, percussion). Includes liner notes by Steven Ivory. Producers: Sigidi (tracks 1, 10); Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis (tracks 2-8); Ricky Sylvers, Gene Dozier (track 9). Compilation producer: Guy Abrahams. Personnel: Willie "Sonny" Killebrew (vocals, slide guitar, saxophone); Billy "B.E." Ellis (vocals, saxophone, keyboards); Jason Bryant (vocals, keyboards); John Alexander Simpson (vocals, bass guitar); James Earl Jones (vocals, drums); Mary Bond Davis, Mary Davis (vocals, percussion); Cherrelle, Alexander O'Neal (vocals); Bruno Speight (guitar); Abdul Ra'oof (trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion); Jerome Thomas (piano, drums). Liner Note Author: Steven Ivory. Arrangers: Fred Wesley; Sigidi; Jimmy Jam; The S.O.S. Band; Terry Lewis. The S.O.S. Band: Mary Davis (vocals, percussion); Bruno Speight (guitar); Additional personnel: Cherrelle, Alexander O'Neal (vocals).

24-7 buy CD music Charlie Wilson's fourth album in eight years -- his fourth consecutive release to feature his first name in the title -- is his most modest and low-key set. Some listeners might bemoan the increasingly reserved nature of Wilson's releases since the singer's unexpected 2000s resurgence, but the direction is natural. It would make little sense for him to continue teaming with songwriters and producers accustomed to working with pop-oriented R&B artists less than half his age. Besides, these love songs -- all of which were co-written beside wife Mahin Wilson and an assortment of others -- are not lacking in energy and spirit. For someone who has been through as much as Wilson, who beat prostate cancer, seemingly basic sentiments expressed in "If I Believe" and "I Still Have You" ring clearly and loudly with conviction and vigor. While it does not feature as many standouts as the three previous "Charlie" albums, Love, Charlie is another enjoyable and genuine addition to the catalog of a funk heavyweight. ~ Andy Kellman Recording information: 1023 Studio, Hollywood, CA; Insomniax Studios, North Hollywood, CA; P Music Group Studios, Acton, CA; Psyberspice Studios, Powder Springs, GA; Wirlwide Studios, Atlanta, GA. Photographer: Randee St. Nicholas.