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Urban Knights - Urban Knights V [2003]

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The is the fifth album from the rotating smooth jazz all-star showcaseUrban Knights, and it continues with much the same flavor as the group's previous releases: a mix of post-bop jazz influences and straightforward R&B. The album opens with an instrumental version of Marvin Gaye's "Got to Give It Up" featuring bandleader Ramsey Lewis covering the main vocal parts with his piano. Two collective originals follow, leading into Michelle Williams' soft vocals on "Will You Still Love Me?" "On the Up" is an original with a thick electronic funk thanks largely to Kenny Garrett. Another group original follows in the same vein, although the collective takes on Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now" yield mixed results, holding Steve Zoloto's sax over the top of a groove. Some contemporary R&B pokes through on "No One," and Orbert Davis invokes a bit of Miles Davis on his trumpet over the funk of "The New Funktier." After another short R&B romp, the album finishes on a pair of Hans Zimmer numbers from the Gladiator soundtrack. As far as smooth jazz goes, this is an outstanding collection from the all-stars of the genre, complete with some thoroughly worked-out funkiness at the hands of Lewis as the need arises. For the mix of originals and covers, the album, overall, does quite well. Both newcomers to the genre or old Ramsey Lewis fans should give it a listen .

Urban Knights: Ramsey Lewis (piano); Kevin Randolph (keyboards); Sharay Reed (bass); Calvin Rodgers (drums); Stereo (drum programing).















Urban Knights-Urban Knights III [2000]

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This CD was dedicated to the memory of Grover Washington, a pioneer of jazz and funk fushion.Some of my favorites include, "Dancing Angels", a revamped version of "Midnight In Madrid","Strung Out" "The Gypsy", and finally "You're The One For Me." The instrumental version is spectacular. I have no problem recommending this cd as an addition to your smooth jazz collection.















Urban Knights - Urban Knights II [1997]

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This is just a "cool" CD...so is the previous Urban Knights. Every artists adds a wonderful uniqueness that brings a tremendous sound to this CD. The "togetherness" of all the artists is to be comended.If you put Ramsey Lewis, Gerald Albright, the incredible talent of Jonathan Butler, the smooth sounds of Najee, and the great Sonny Emory in one room what do you have? GREATNESS? The first song on the CD (Scirroco) Set the tone with Sonny Emory's drums and Jonathan Butler's guitar and Ramsey Lewis on Piano.














Urban Knights- Urban Knights I [1995]

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Urban Knights was one of a few jazz supergroups that emerged in the early to mid-nineties. Fourplay was another but while the latter group has managed to sustain the quality of their music.It has the original lineup of Ramsey Lewis on keyboards, Grover Washington, Jr on saxophones, Omar Hakim on drums and Victor Bailey on electric bass. The project was produced by Earth Wind and Fire man, Maurice White.
Personal favourites include "On The Radio", "Hearts Of Longing", "The Rose" and "Forever More", though "Wanna Be With You" (with vocals by the Emotions) and "Miracle" (with vocals by Omar Hakim) are not far behind. A project of noble intent and gratifying result.


All track info is in the comment section..