Gene Dunlap -
Peaceful Days
Gene
Dunlap's albums "Groove With You" (1994) and "Tales Of
The Phatman" (2000) are so excellent that I impatiently awaited
his new album. "Tired Of Being A Nice Guy" (2004) is a pure
R&B album with vocal songs, a re-issue of his previous album
of 1983. Personally I prefer his instrumental music and was
delighted that he went back to this music with "Peaceful
Days". Most of his fans know him as the longtime drummer of Earl
Klugh with whom he shared a musical career of more than 20
years. Gene Dunlap produced a great part of the new album.
The text in the CD-booklet is a little bit irritating because it
doesn't keep the right order of the songs.
The
album starts with Fairway written by Gene
in co-operation with Ray Manzerolle (sax). Ray had some success with
the group "Modern Tribe" and the album "Groove On"
(Expansion Records).
The
harmonica is Stevie Wonder's significant instrument. On Sometimes When I'm Alone
which is dedicated to Stevie Ray plays this sound with a Wind
Controller. Perry Hughes showcases his superb style on guitar. He is
also an in-demand sideman of Ronnie Laws, Earl Klugh, Marlena Shaw,
Bobby Lyle and more.
Forgiveness
is featuring saxplayer Everette Harp. Great melody and overdubbing
arrangement. On most tunes Gene Dunlap is celebrating diverse drum programming
in his own style.
Gene also
presents some covers on his album like Sweet
Sticky Thing written by the members of The Ohio Players Leroy
"Sugarfoot" Bonner/Marshall "Rock" Jones/Ralph
"Pee Wee" Middlebrooks/Marvin Pierce/Clarence
"Satch" Satchell/James "Diamond" Williams in 1975
for their album "Honey" ( Perry Hughes' jazzy guitar play is
brilliant) and You've Got It Bad Girl
created by Stevie Wonder for his album "Talking Book"
(1972).
Al Duncan and
Charles Scales on keyboards and Carl Holmes on bass make Dorindia
to a highlight.
Gene Dunlap
isn't only a drummer but also an excellent keyboardist as he showcases
on Lonely Love Affair.
On
I'd Rather Be Loving You Earl Klugh convinces with his
masterful guitar technique. If you like his acoustic style check out
his new album "Naked Guitar".
Life
Is - vibrating like Roy Ayers music. Fantastic: Rayse Bigg's
trumpet solo. More by Rayse Biggs is to hear on his solo debut "Mr.
B & Friends" (1997).
The
gospel song Peaceful Days is featuring
Gwendolyn Joy and The Angelic Voices of fellowship Chapel Choir. Gwendolyn
Joy describes her sound as urban adult contemporary with jazzy
undertones. Gwendolyn Joy is best known as the lead singer of
the Detroit group "Modern Tribe".
Her solo album "Love Is" is also to find
on Expansion Records.
A
reprise of I'd Rather Be Loving You is
the final curtain. A
festival for guitar fans: Perry Hughes and Earl Klugh in a duet of
acoustic and electric guitar.
