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When two musical elemental forces come together, something extraordinary is created. Guitarist U-NAM is known by his solo projects The Past Builds The Future (2005), Back From the 80's (2007), Unanimity (2009), Weekend in L.A. (A Tribute To George Benson) (2012) and C'est Le Funk (2014). Saxophonist Shannon Kennedy received attention with  Angel Eyes (2005) and in 2007 with Steppin Up and Never My Love.

Now both reveal their collective debut under the group name Groove LTD. releasing the album First Class. The duo is joined by keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen, vocalist Maysa Leak, percussionist Paulinho DaCosta, drummer Michael White, bassist Dwayne “Smitty” Smith, Neo-Soul singer Myron Davis, steel drums master Andy Narell, as well as many more.

Groove LTD. opens the album with First Class and covers its name with glory. The song shimmers in Benson like guitar style with Shannon's extra sax appeal fully equipped with a string orchestra. Uprising turns up the volume with a disco beat with Shannon completely unleashed and an exceptionally disposed Jonathan Fritzen on piano.

It's Only Love was originally performed by Barry White on the album The Man (1978), later covered by Simply Red. The rendition of Groove LTD. shows Shannon in a double feature as splendid vocalist and saxophonist. It's the first single and music video of the album. Pheromones is the special smell spreading attractiveness. The couple delivers the musical equivalent on their instruments. On Coastline U-NAM and Shannon excel with an accessible ebb and flow that increase during the song.

Lovedrive approach with a mellow and infectious melody line offering a consistent attitude of dramatic and empathic ardor.  It's Alright Now is obviously inspired by Imagination's Just An Illusion. However soul queen Maysa finds with her very own scat singing and Andy Narell on steel drums the personal twist. Summer Nights has all ingredients for a successful smooth jazz breeze with the famous instinct for the perfect melody line. Music lovers will be fascinated by how casually Shannon weaves famous sequences in her presentation. U-NAM's Benson-like Ibanez riffs are salt and pepper to the groove.

Teardrops from Womack & Womack's fourth studio album Conscience is experiencing a second youth. While Shannon stays truthfully to the melody, U-NAM takes the liberty for a solo excursion. You've Got It All featuring singer Myron Davis walks into the R&B realm with greetings to the 80's. The album is rounded up with radio edited versions of Uprising, First Class and It's Alright Now.

Since April 22, 2012 U-NAM and Shannon Kennedy are married. First Class is their legitimate musical child full of vitality and delight in playing. It seems however, the album comes right after the father, he has written most of the songs and produced, recorded, mixed and arranged the album.

 

 

 


 

Biography

 Website

Buy the album at Amazon.com

 Album Information

Title: First Class
Artist: Groove LTD.
Year: 2015
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: SkyTown Records

Tracks:

1. First Class 
2. Uprising feat. Jonathan Fritzen 
3. It's Only Love 
4. Pheromones 
5. Coastline 
6. Lovedrive 
7. It's Alright Now feat. Maysa Leak 
8. Summer Nights 
9. Teardrops 
10. You've Got It All feat. Myron Davis 
11. Uprising (Radio Edit) 
12. First Class (Radio Edit) 
13. It's Alright Now (Groove Mix)




Further reviews:

U-NAM - Back From The 80's

Unamity

The Early Tapes 94/95

Weekend in L.A. (A Tribute To George Benson)

Live @ Anthology [DVD]

 C'est Le Funk


Credits:

Shannon Kennedy | Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax, Bari Sax & Flute
U-Nam | Guitars, Bass, Synth Bass, Keyboards, Programming & Editing
Jonathan Fritzen | Piano on 2
Maysa Leak | Lead & Background Vocals on 7
Myron Davis | Lead & Background Vocals on 10
Denis Benarrosh | Percussion except on 7 & 10
Michael White | Drums on 6 & 7
Fran Merante | Drums on 1, 5 & 9
Christian Martinez | Trumpet on 6, 7 & 10
Dwayne “Smitty” Smith | Bass on 1
Paulinho DaCosta | Percussion on 7
Andy Narell | Steel Drums on 7
Tony Moore | Drums on 10
Franck Sitbon | Piano on 5 & Fender Rhodes on 6
Bill Steinway | Fender Rhodes on 1
Thierry Farrugia | Tenor Sax on 7
Bernard Camoin | Trombone on 7
Maria Grig | Violin & Viola on 1
Kim Chandler | Background Vocals on 


All songs written by U-Nam (M.A’s Publishing) except:
3 by Jimmy & Vela Cameron (MCA Music Ltd.), 
4 by Tanya Chua (Tangy Music Pub.), 
7 by U-Nam & Maysa Leak (M.A’s Publishing),
9 by Linda & Cecil Womack. 
& 10 by U-Nam & Myron Davis (M.A’s Publishing) 


Produced, Arranged & Mixed by U-Nam
Recorded by U-Nam at the Mastermind Factory - Los Angeles, CA
Mastered by Jeremy H. at the Villa Mastering - Paris, FR

Horn arrangemnts by U-Nam
String arrangements by Raymond Gimenes & U-Nam