Will Downing
WillDowning
Classique
(noun: An author, artist or work ofart, of the highest excellence.)
Classic…or as the French say…”Classique”. Acrown too heavy and unfit for most modern day works of art. But when the artist is Will Downing and the work in question is a vintage 2009 edition fromone of the most enduring entertainment brands in the business…the Classic crownfits just fine. Classique…TheMan…The Music. The crowned “Prince ofSophisticated Soul” is back!
Fastforward two years from the improbable and awe inspiring delivery of AfterTonight, (Downing’s 2007 release andmusical monument of triumphover adversity, as he fought through thedebilitating effects of the muscle disorder Polymyositis), and you’ll find bothman and artist with a renewed spirit for life and a tremendous gratitude tocontinue a soulful journey that started over two decades ago. Station stop and CD #14 on thatjourney, Classique, is where timeless meets modern-day with a mutual respect that gives birth to a sound that somehowmanages to feel both familiar and brand new.
WillDowning arrives at this station in time with complete command of his craft, afull grasp of who he is as an artist and uniquely positioned on the R&Broad connecting the past to the present. That connection is made with aproduction prowess as silky smooth as the trademark vocals to which we’ve grownaccustomed. Classique, effortlessly lives up to its moniker with a deliciousfusion of B3 organs, flutes, vibes and crushed velvet harmonies, seasoned witha dash of Motown and a pinch of Philly International. Its retro flavor is an unforcednatural blend of old school savvy and modern technical wizardry served up byDowning and longtime production collaborator, Rex Rideout.
To beclear, there’s no need for studio trickery to fill any vocal voids here. As if Will Downing’s own considerablegifts were not enough, Classiqueenlists the veteran talents of Phil Perry,who not only brings his 80’s and 90’s solo success to the mix, but his 70’ssoul group expertise as well from the Montclairs. 2009finds Perry in fine form and lending an undeniably authentic pedigree to thefinished product. Theresulting contribution, is a stirring remake of The Originals’ classic “BabyI’m for Real”, where Perry offers theperfect high flying contrast to Downing’s signature baritone notations. The twoform what many a female fan might consider the ultimate Dynamic Duo of romanticcrooners, each with his own unique sound.
Ultimately,it’s Will Downing himself that makes Classique… classic. Besidesthe union with Perry, this volume is noticeably absent of the trendy parade-of-all-stars list of guest performers so common on many of today’s newreleases. Intended or not,there’s no mistaking the fact that this is a Will Downing showcase from startto finish…beginning to end. It’sa quiet but emphatic statement on the kind of strength and confidence thisBrooklyn native has amassed in an amazingly durable two decade long careerthat’s been recognized for excellence by the NARAS and the NAACP ImageAwards.
Classique kicks-off appropriately with “Ride”, which serves as both an intro and invitation to itslistener to embark on a 10 track sonic excursion. To those accepting the invite, hang ontight for a trip that gets going in a hurry and takes a nice scenic turn downmemory lane. It movesswiftly to the catchy tic-toc of “More Time”,which combines the mellow smoothness we’ve come to expect from Will Downingwith a refreshingly playful undertone that hints of a loose and fun productionatmosphere. The resultingmid-tempo ballad is easily one of the most repeatable cuts on the project andreflects on the brokenhearted erosion of trust created in a relationship whentoo much business causes one party’s well intended promises to theirsignificant other to be repeatedly broken. The subject in this case, faced with apossible “last straw” situation, finally recognizes the need to devote moretime and makes a very passionate simultaneous plea for second-chance time and wishfully, moretime in the day. “More Time” isquite possibly an unconscious adaptation of the artist’s own revelation andrecommitment to the more important things in life. The follow-up track, “Something Special”,is such an instant feel-good summer groove you can almost smell the barbequethrough some very MFSB-esque horn and string arrangements. Further down the road, Downing worksboth sides of the microphone with some very tasteful turns as both artist andproducer on the CD’s most lush ballad “I Won’t Stop” and the painfully self-reflective David Ruffin jewel “Statue of a Fool”, which he has long desired to cover. Both tunes are distinguished by anexcellent use of the simple but often overlooked beauty of four-part harmony insome carefully layered background vocal arrangements. A great change of pace comes in theform of the slightly up-tempo and openly flirty “Love Suggestions” and the tongue-in-cheek double entendre hidden in therefrain of “Just Think About It”. Rounding out the fare is Downing’slyrical love letter “Let’s Make It Now” and a tribute to the “Maestro of Love” himself, BarryWhite, in the form of “I’m GonnaLove You”, making full use of theunique gift of a natural deep baritone-to-falsetto first tenor vocal range.
Mostimportantly, Classique deservesto be listened to…really listened to. Itserves up a sweet redemption for every music fan that has ever had that empty“something’s missing” experience after listening to a new CD. The more you play it, the more you’llhear, the more classic Classiquebecomes.
Downingis also being recognized as a humanitarian through his role as a spokesperson for the American Stroke Association, which has become even more important to him in the wakeof prominent victims such as Luther Vandross, Ron Isley and CorettaScott King. Whenever possible as he tours, Downingconducts a charity bowling event called “StrikeAgainst Stroke”, to raise funds towards greater stroke awareness andeducation in the African American community, which is disproportionatelyaffected. The AmericanHeart Association has awarded Mr. Downingfor his efforts and honored him as a Celebrity Ambassador in their Power To End Stroke national campaign.
Off the road, Will Downing retreats to the most importantroles in his life as a loving husband and father to his family. Singer, Songwriter, Humanitarian,Family Man…Another Classic!
Classique in stores June 16th.
For more information,contact:
J’ai St. Laurent-Smyth
Inque Public Relations
732.254.0607
Julie Murray Porter
Concord Music Group
310-385-4234