Wayman Tisdale
Rebound
(Rendezvous)
Wayman Tisdale is one funky cat. So what’s country crooner Toby Keith doing here? Turning in one of the most smoldering vocals this side of Barry White, that’s what. The duo’s version of White’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” is, doubtless, one of the disc’s highlights – and another winner from the hoops-star-turned-jazzman.
But while this track may be the most surprising, there’s plenty of other ear candy here. The opening title track finds bass and sax taking off from the melodic hook at the center of the song. The following number, “Throwin’ it Down,” pits his bass against the sax and keyboards. The beats do become somewhat mundane on “Front Runna,” with its programmed handclaps. But “One on One” finds the bassman again front-and-center, showing off his unwavering sense of melody. Tisdale’s smooth jazz is an urban R&B style that features his bass tuned up high, usually as the lead instrument. Those who like their jazz fat and funky will find much to enjoy here, although the programmed rhythms and slickness will wear on those who prefer the acoustic or bop side of things. Then again, those people probably won’t be listening in the first place
- Ross Boissoneau
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