Although he’s been releasing albums since the mid-’90s, I am a relatively new fan of Brian Culbertson. The multi-instrumentalist popped up on my radar in recent years as a repeat performer at the Capital Jazz Fest, and I’ve grown to appreciate his brand of R&B-infused jazz. How could I not when he’s collaborated with personal faves such as Ledisi and Musiq Soulchild? He continues his run of linking up with singers who populate my music collection on his upcoming album, XII, dropping on July 20th. He enlists another who’s who of soul stars such as Brian McKnight, Kenny Lattimore, Faith Evans and go-go legend Chuck Brown on the disc in addition to singer Avant who lends his vocals to the album’s first single, “Skies Wide Open.” In a musical landscape where the word “skies” would normally be replaced with “thighs,” this song is a refreshing break from typical radio fare yet still readymade for the Urban Adult Contemporary crowd. Avant sings to his lady that she’s totally rocked his world and how much he loves her for that. If this tune has you as open as it has me, then bounce on over to Culbertson’s website for the freeload and plan to add XII to your own music collections in a few weeks. http://www.brianculbertson.com/index.html
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