Customer Reviews

After Tonight

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Will Downing is a great vocalist, one of the few singers who have successfully bridged the gap between Soul/R&B and more contemporary jazz.
Recorded while he was experiencing a serious disease, "After Tonight" radiates beatific, confident optimism.
You can't blame him for indulging in a little self-adulation, not least when he does so with such musical grace, as on the serenely relaxed "Will's Groove" - or, as he seduces on "After Tonight" with his mellifluous vocals, which haven't lost power and sexiness.
The album retains an unhurried groove as he sings caressingly "Lover's Melody".
He wrote almost all the the tracks with exception of a couple of songs and his excellent take of Bill Withers' "You Just Can't Smile It Away".
Each song is as good as the last, all the way through.
This is a truly remarkable improvement, even more seductive and heartfelt than "Sensual Journey".
It's a recording which inspires and will fill you with joy and gives a sense of peace and happiness.
It's just right for that romantic evening in, with Will's smooth voice melting away any troubles and helping bring a relaxed mood.
Will is joined on this well crafted album by legendary jazz vibraphonists Roy Ayers, vocalists Lauren Evans ( check her out on Paul Taylor's Ladies' Choice ) and Mabvuto Carpenter, drummer Michael White and sax masters Gerald Albright and Kirk Whalum.
For sure "After Tonight" is Will's most personal and soulful record yet.

Very Nice mellow CD, I too have all his CD's. This is a great CD, and I pray for him to get better. I am Glad this CD is his first #1 R &B CD. Very positive CD, with Luther and Gerld Levert no longer with us, this is one of the last True Male singers left. We still got Stevie Wonder, and a few other New Male singers that are good ( Robin Ticke, Kem,...Maxwell.. and a few others) Not too many others are true singers! Grab this CD and if he is new to you, you need to get all the other CD's there is like 10 or so that you need to add to this collection of Will downing. BTW the best songs are God is amazing, All I Need You Is You.

Will Downing has been in the industry of music for more than twenty years. I have heard a few of his songs on the radio and seen him advertised in a couple of magazines, but he isn't necessarily on the musical forefront. He is twice my age, but something about him looks mature, so I wanted to hear some of his music. I chose "After Tonight" for my first full taste of this musician. This album has a quiet storm/jazz feel to it. There are live instruments, which is something that is scarce on R&B albums of today, so, of course, that was a treat. Also, his lyrics are good, almost always about love and wanting to make a woman feel good. There is one offering dedicated to God, which I was awestruck about.

There are one or two party jams here, but the vast majority of the songs are slower in tempo. Will's song delivery wasn't impressive, but he still makes nice and sincere music. The best song here is easily the title track, especially the chorus. It is a catchy hook which has much replay value. Everything else is decent, but not very memorable. There is a nice saxophone on "No One Can Love You More." The falsetto notes were a nice touch on this track, too. "All I Need is You" and "Satisfy You" are also nice tracks.

This album is best suited for people who are 30 or older because, while it is R&B, some R&B fans won't take much from this album. But you 30+ year olds should get something from this music. 3 stars.

Mikeisha's Top 5

1. "After Tonight"
2. "Satisfy You"
3. "No One Can Love You More"
4. "Lover's Melody"
5. "After Tonight (Between the Sheets Remix)"

Not even a debilitating muscle disorder could keep Will Downing from releasing his newest album After Tonight to his loyal fan base of nearly 20 years. He kicks off the album with the infectious "Will's Groove," a certifiable jam to say the least with it's slick bassline and laidback approach as there are no real lyrics to the song! "Fantasy (Spending Time With You)" is just as rhythmic with its mid-tempo melody, but Downing's rare expansion into his falsetto range resonates well throughout. The title track is a straightforward cut meant to accentuate the singer's heavy emphasis on love. Gerald Albright reunites with Will Downing for the radio-friendly jazz cut "No One Can Love You More." Roy Ayers provides his unique xylophone work for the largely instrumental "Lover's Melody." "Satisfy You" is an uncomplicated slow jam meant to get lovers in the mood. Saxophonist Kirk Whalum shows up on the sentimental ballad "All I Need Is You" and "You Just Can't Smile It Away." Downing shows considerable reverence on the inspirational song "God Is So Amazing." He closes the album with the Between The Sheets remix of "After Tonight." All in all, Will Downing delivers on what fans have come to expect as well as provide a few tracks that weren't necessarily his standard fare. After Tonight lives up to any expectations from his long-standing listening audience and is arguably some of his best work ever in his career. And the best indication of this album's success is the fact that After Tonight debuted number 1 on the Billboard R&B Chart, giving Will Downing his highest debut on the chart ever. With material like this and fans showing that much love, here's hoping that we get to hear more music from Will Downing in the future.

Eversince I saw Will Downing perform with Diane Reeves at the Mayor's Jazz Festival ( at Red Rocks Ampitheatre), I have been a big fan of his; and, I have all of his cd's.

This cd, like all the others, is smooth and fluid, just like Will knows how to be. I love every song on this album, and it gives meaning to the words "Silky Soul." I would recommend this cd to anyone who loves to feel good.

Will has done it again! This CD, from beginning to end, is remarkable! Each CD that Will releases gives us something to get you "through". Well, this CD has done that and then some.

My favorites..."After Tonight (both versions), "God is so Amazing", You just can't smile it away" and "All I need is you".

Will get better and know that you are loved by many! My prayers are with you and your family.

I was listening to the CD last night and it was his best work ever. The songs were uplifting and the beat was good as well. Very smooth jazz if you ask me.

Still with that deep, magical voice, this offering keeps Will at the top of his game and I really liked it, but to be honest, for me, there was nothing stretched or different when compaired to his other recordings. In fact, some of these tracks sounded alike. Then, there were others that sounded like recordings that he had performed on his past cd's. Will gave the standard when it came to recording this disc and, although enjoyable, it didn't push me over the edge. It just got me standing at the edge, waiting for something more that I didn't get.

If you like smooth jazz, smooth r&b, smooth mellow adult vocals, I hope you are into Will Downing.. This CD and this guy is oh so good. You can not beat the sound, the voice. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Smoothe as silk! If you've always enjoyed Will.. then you'll love this project.
Just puts you in a relaxed mood. Wonderful.