Originally written for and published on http://www.smoothjazzmag.com
After a four year long hiatus, jazz and soul singer Phil Perry returns to the fold with “Say Yes”, a CD that showcases Phil’s celebrated pipes wrapped around spanking new tracks plus the reworking of a few timeless classics as well.
Listeners of this CD will agree that Phil’s voice is still intact and it is amazing how it consistently oozes that natural sweetness and sincerity that can only come from a singer of his high caliber.
The CD begins with a trip down memory lane via “You Send Me.” Phil starts off this song reminding listeners of how the old version was done before launching into this track that is so funky and soulful, you will definitely get a few finger-snapping and head bopping out of it.
One will instantly warm up to the bouncy grooves that swirl around Phil featuring soul diva Chante Moore’s interpretation of “Where is the Love?” At one point on the track you can hear Chante soaring into her well-known octaves.
Phil brings it back to the present time with the seductive jazz single “Tonight Just me and You” which features sax player Najee. Najee returns later on in the compilation with the catchy “Can’t Hide Love.”
“You Belong to Me” deviates from its original and is unique thanks to the fresh coat of upbeat synth rhythms applied, which the younger audience will appreciate. Ballads such as “Say Yes”, and “Just A Little Bit” are lyrically solid, with both sexy and beguiling flows that make you want to fall in love or hold on to the love you currently have.
“Peel the Veil” is an instant personal favorite; every note intrigues and takes you deeper into this magical and mysterious track. Delectable harmonies are laced with a dreamy, Middle-Eastern flair that you will certainly compel you to have more than just one serving of this song at any given time.
Elsewhere, Phil’s voice is ethereal on “Long and Winding Road”, he reaches the big notes with great ease, and it is always a pleasuring to hear how well he phrases as evident on this track.
The CD wraps up with a lovely rendition of “Bridge over Troubled Water” and although Phil gave this track a nice modern-day feel backed by a choir, I was really sensing that he would burst into his mind-blowing falsettos at some point of the song. Unfortunately, that moment never came. Still it does not take away from how poignant this single is.
We are so glad that the “voice” is back and hope that Phil does not stay away too long before his next CD.
“Say Yes” reinforces that there are still some good music out there, music that is intelligent and can still touch the soul. Indulge.
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