Peak Records
2007
After Tonight
About This Album
Life has a way of throwing really slippery curveballs. Urban soul singer Will Downing released 2005's Soul Symphony on the GP imprint to great reviews and went on his way. The record did reasonably well for an independent. 2006 saw the release of his volume in the 20th Century Masters collection by former label Universal (an insult when somebody is still making vibrant music in the 21st). But in 2007 Downing was struck with polymyositis, a debilitating disorder that causes weakness in joints and muscles from neck, trunk, limbs, and can completely incapacitate anyone afflicted with it. The condition is treatable but affects everyone who gets it differently; it usually lasts from two to three years. Downing states in his liner essay that it took away his ability to function on his own, leaving him unable to use any of his limbs and that he recorded the majority of his vocals from a wheelchair. It's hard to believe. From the slippery nocturnal cinematic funk in "Will's Groove" to the gorgeous "After Tonight," a sexy mid-tempo groove ballad with a hook to swoon for a couple of tracks later, it's clear from the outset that Downing lost none of his vocal power and his unique touch with the sultry in soul.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,6,7 and 8)

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