Musiq House

Walter Beasley's 2004 release The Classic R&B Collection makes his debt to smooth soul music crystal clear. It collects ten songs from his stay at Shanachie Records (five from Tonight We Love, two from Won't You Let Me Love You, one each from Rendezvous and For Your Pleasure as well as one from Chuck Loeb's Listen) that are drawn from such soul masters as Roberta Flack ("Killing Me Softly"), Al Green ("Let's Stay Together"), Stevie Wonder ("Visions"), and the Temptations ("My Girl"). Beasley's versions match his sweet alto tone with heavily synthesized but pleasant smooth jazz backings that provide for an entirely inoffensive listen. It certainly won't make anyone forget the originals, but it is good solid smooth jazz by one of the masters of the form.