Shanachie
2009
Star Power
About This Album
This perfectly titled disc featuring many of the most indelible names in R&B and the classic quiet storm format fits in perfectly with Shanachie Records' urban jazz aesthetic, which has included many all-star tribute albums amidst the solo recordings by its diverse roster. But rather than dub this a valentine to mostly classic R&B songs with a few new tracks created in its spirit, it's actually a more personal reflection by superstar R&B/jazz drummer/producer Connors, whose vast résumé as an artist and presence behind the boards (and skins) over the years has netted him an incredible Rolodex. Like Quincy Jones crafting a loving look back at where his chosen genre has been and where it's going, Connors oversees amazingly rendered, sweet and sensuous sessions with Peabo Bryson ("You Are My Starship"), Howard Hewett (a duet with Antoinette Manganas on her sultry ballad "Where Do We Go from Here"), singer Christopher Williams ("Used to Be"), Norman Brown (the lush instrumental "Shades of Brown"), Bobby Lyle, Ray Parker, Jr. (guitar crackling on "Rock with You"), et al. While he contributes drums and percussion on a few tracks, Connors is mostly the executive here, arranging and producing his way through the landscape of magical quiet storm soul.
Track List (try tracks 1,3,5,6,12 and 13)

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