Although
Andre Delano is a young musician, he already performed with numerous
artists like Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Jeff Lorber, Wynton Marsalis,
Clark Terry, Bucky Green. Chielli Minucci, Doc Powell, and Bobby Lyle.
His debut album Full Circle (2005) received high acclaims,
followed in 2006 with a Christmas release entitled First Christmas.
Andre Delano has a
smile on his face, the smile of a winner. His new album My So Fine
(2008) has all ingredients for a superb album. Supported
by an energy pack of top-notch musicians like Yaronne Levy (guitar),
Darrel Diaz (keyboards), Dewayne "Smitty" Smith (bass) and the guest
musicians bassist Byron Miller (Luther Vandross, George Duke),
pianist, Kevin Toney (The Blackbyrds), trumpeter Greg Adams (Tower of
Power) and guitarist Michael Ripoll (Baby Face, James Brown, Kirk
Whalum, Usher).
Andre explains: "A
lot of people say that the saxophone is a very sexy instrument. My
So Fine is an album that is all about love's sexiness. My
challenge on this one was to see just how sexy the saxophone could
be." Indeed his new album is sexy and unique. No covers, all
compositions are written by Andre, sometimes with the help of his
fellow musicians. The album starts with the peppery Sista Caliente'
pushed by hot guitar loops and Andre Delano's remarkable alto sax.
A reggae on a
smooth jazz album? Why not. The contemplative Once My Love
reveals that reggae rhythm and sax perfectly harmonize. What awesome
vocals, Andre Delano has the class of Luther Vandross and Marvin Gaye.
There is no better prove than My So Fine.
And this Golden
Boy can compose. Soultie features genius Kevin Toney on
keyboards. I love these affectionate details like Trevor Lawrence
propulsive drums, Lori Andrews' pizzicato style on harp and the high
tones of Kevin oh so sultry keys. Radio stations will love melodic
ballades like the mellow More Than Words Can Say. Wonderful is the
retro sound of The Da Da Song in the style of Jr. Walker and
the All Stars or Curtis Mayfield.
College
Sweetheart starts with a heart beat. A flashback to Andre Delano's
college days. JSU Jam is a reminiscence to the Jackson State
University. In 2007 Andre returned to his Alma Mater to record this
tune with tuba player Tremeris Sanders who won the audition. Delano
comments: "In Sanders I found a teachable showman who could play the
music and enjoy it." Dr. Jimmie James is the announcer on this tune.
“I singled Dr. James out, not only because he is the chairman of the
music department, but because he is also the ‘Voice of the Sonic Boom
of the South.’" Finally Andre had a good hand to choice Robert
Mumphard on tenor drums. Andre absolutely catches the spirit of the
JSU.
Back from the
University to the fields of smooth jazz with Get To You. Thanks
to overdub technique Andre performs the melody and adds a gracious solo.
Designated for live shows. My impression of Andre Delano as singer is
solidified with the heartfelt I Do. Andre, go on! First
Dance is dedicated to those who need a melody for marriage and
proposals. Slow and lasting and a bit sentimental. Greg Adams, former
genius of Tower of Power is the featured musician on muted trumpet.
The stomping
Home Sweet Home is obviously conceptualized as pick-me-up.
Angelic, blessed, divine. I find no adjective for Andre's mesmerizing
vocals. That Much (I Love U) get the heart on the statement,
Andre is the new Marvin Gaye. The album closes with an instrumental
version of The Da Da Song, a could opportunity for Andre to let
his sax skills shine.
It's hard to say
if Andre is a better saxophonist or a better singer. All in all
emotional music is his domain and there is no better and comfortable
way to elicit sympathy or tenderness.
