Ray Greene was the vocalist in Tower of Power for a number of years, but with a record like this, it's clear that he's more than deserving to be out front on his own – as a soul singer with a range that lives up to some of the greats from years back, yet possessed of this very personal quality that really sets him apart from the rest! Greene sings here in a way that's free from some of the more standard modes or overdone cliches that could hold a record like this back – yet at the same time, he's also got a confidence and power that could easily push the record over the top – on titles that include "Tears Away", "Stay", "Jealous", "Tell Her", "Shoulda Known Better", "Hole In Our Hearts", and "Coming Home". CD

A great debut from Taylor McFerrin – family member to another famous jazz singer, but very much possessed of his own self and style! The album's got this crackling, glistening quality – subtle electronics and Fender Rhodes mixing with Taylor's well-crafted vocals – never overwhelming them, but taking them into a space that's beyond conventional soul or jazz – and completely hypnotic throughout! Robert Glasper guests on one track on the set – and McFerrin's approach is a bit like some of the most creative elements in Glasper's Black Radio experiment – and other guests on the record include Emily King, Nai Palm, and Thundercat. Titles include "Decisions", "Postpartum", "Degrees Of Light", "The Antidote", "Florasia", "4am", "Stepps", and "Already There". LP, Vinyl record album