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The starting track Street Life, taken from the album Back from the 80’s was a huge hit of Randy Crawford and the Crusaders. “Some covers were better suited to the album since I wanted to shine the melody on guitar,” U-Nam says. “I’ve been a fan of ‘Street Life’ for many years and the keyboard solo by Joe Sample.” If you are familiar with the original you certainly remarks the identity with the original. But U-Nam's version excels with Jeff Lorber's fine keyboard art and U-Nam's superior guitar performance serving the instrumental substitute of the vocals. A landmark of smooth jazz. Going For Miles from the album Surface Level spreads fun with a Nile Rodgers (Chic) inspired tune. Rhythm, guitar riffs and even the electric drums are in full effect. Groove Paradise from the same album copies dangerously well the spirit of the 80's with flutes, strings and much percussion and detached from all U-Nam's performing a Benson like guitar. Something’s Up from the album C’est Le Funk goes greatly with a fantastic stomping beat. Throwback Kid keeps this superb mood on fire. Whether rhythm guitar or melodic line U-Nam controls everything in admirable perfection. Keep the Faith from Back from the 80’s was composed by keyboardist Franck Sitbon in the spirit of George Benson. Franck co-wrote some tunes, played keyboards and sang background vocals. Benson is one of U-Nam’s biggest influences and favorite musicians. You will recognize his signature on more songs. This sultry song get its attraction by the awesome guitar echo of the main-theme. Let the Music Play is the title song of American R&B singer Barry White's self-produced fifth album (1976). U-Nam captures with great verve the spirit of the original song and lets his guitar jubilate the melody part. Soul Breeze is the sum total of what distinguishes smooth jazz. Of course has this song U-Nam's signature guitar sound. Where George Benson stopped with Give Me The Night, U-Nam takes over the torch with Smoovin’. Guitar licks in Benson's style underlayered with strings and horns are his trademarks. Love X Love is from the the album Weekend In L.A. U-Nam's principle to pump up the song into a showpiece is also practiced on this song. Spice of Life methodically emphasizes this concept with splashes of Cameo and Chic on the bass side. The song was originally recorded by Manhattan Transfer. Breezin’ M.A. is pure Philly sound. U-Nam enhances the original sound and is kicking his guitar to fantastic licks. With Michael White on drums, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion), Alex Al (bass) he is supported by musicians of the premier liege. Keni Burke's hit Risin' To The Top is also a shining star of my musical past. U-Nam's interpretation is far better than a pure remix. This is a contemporary discovery! Shine On from Unanimity is a tune based on U-Nam programmatic concept Back from the '80's. Strings, wah-guitar, piano and horn-section and U-Nam's outbreaking guitar play push you right into the Philadelphia or Motown area. The song was originally recorded by George Duke in 1982 surpassing the sound of Brothers Johnson, Heatwave or Earth, Wind & Fire. On Back in Style he pushes with his guitar a wave of music playing the melody in a stoically thematic way. As bonus track U-Nam added a Radio Edit version of Soul Breeze. The Essential Collection provides an excellent overview of U-Nam's current work of guitar art. For those who are not familiar with his music, a successful approach. For his fans an attractive offer with two fresh hits in U-Nam's popular format.
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Album Information
Title: The Essential Collection |
Paris
born guitarist U-Nam makes his fans a generous gift. His very
personal Best Of-album comprises a total of 16 selected pieces
from his current career path, there of two brand-new releases.
