Customer Reviews

Eternity

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a great CD by Norman Connors, and as expected, the guest stars are allowed to shine here.The highlights are vocals by Lisa Fisher on a stunning remake of 'Didn't I Blow Your Mind', and Angela Bofill on 'You Can't Hurt Be Now'! Peabo Bryson does an 'OK' job on his rendition of 'You Are My Starship', but you will prefer the original! The instrumentals are nice also, with Gerald Albright (among others! ) lending his talents! If you love smooth contemporary jazz, this is for you! Nice variety of music!

I was a huge fan of Norman Connors in the late '70's and early 80's. Two of my favorite songs were "Valentine Love" and "You Are My Starship." He was also responsible for one of the most beautiful duets ever, "Can't We Fall In Love Again," featuring the late Phyllis Hyman and Michael Henderson. Having said that, finding this cd with a remake of Starship with vocals by Peabo Bryson was enough of a selling point for me. He also includes other favorites like Bobby Lyle, Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill and an incredible remake of "Didn't I Blow Your Mind" with lead vocals by Lisa Fischer. "So Hard To Say Goodbye" with Gerald Albright is absolutely incredible!! You're missing a musical feast by not having this as a part of your smooth jazz cd collection! An outstanding effort!

Norman Connors has truly outdone himself with his new CD, Eternity. The first track, "So Hard To Say Goodbye", was written by Gerald Albright who also plays lead saxaphone. This tremendous cut sets the pace for a CD that does not have a bad song on it. It includes a credible remake of Connors' original "You Are My Starship" which is sung by Peabo Bryson. The rest of the CD features a very smooth mixture of instumentals and vocal arrangements that will please anyone that knows anything about progressive jazz. Other guest artists featured include Angela Bofill, Marion Meadows, and Bobby Lyle to name a few. Connors has obviously put a lot of thought and time into this production and it has culminated into his pinnacle effort.

Please do not let the title of my review mislead you. I have always had the utmost respect for Mr. Connors' work and have admired his inclusion of many up and coming artists on his many projects. This project is fabulous. It is smooth, sensual, has flawless vocals, (most notably, Peabo Bryson's searing cover of "My Starship" and Lisa Fisher's positively FLAWLESS reading of "Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time?")and first-rate production values. Some seem to feel that the many guests overpower the production expertise of Mr. Connors....I submit that this is exactly why this is such an excellent CD...he ranks among the best like Quincy Jones in bringing together a myriad of artists to create a cohesive work. There is not one dud on the project and you will be listening to it over and over again. Other such stalwart guests include Norman Brown, Gerald Albright, Lisa Fisher as well as the much-missed Angela Bofill. Top-notch all the way!!!!!!!!!

Because he has been responsible for bringing many noteworthy solo singers (Phyllis Hyman, Michael Henderson, Jean Carne, Eleanor Mills, etc.) to the forefront prior to their going for sucessful solo careers, Norman Connors' albums have'nt gotten the recognition they deserve by many. Do yourself a big favor and get this CD -it's quite simply one of his very best! Guests like Lisa Fischer, Peabo Bryson and Angela Bofill make it even better.

Norman Connors once again has enhanced the smooth jazz scene with an awesome assemblage of talents and tunes that are sure to please from start to finish.

Norman Conners can bring all stars together like no one else has ever been able to do. This cd is right up there with the other great all star cd's by Norman Conners.

Since the mid 70's, drummer Norman Connors has been a very significant figure in smooth jazz music. His musical taste and ability to identify and introduce great new singers to his listeners is probably unsurpassed. His crowning achievements in that area so far are introducing Phyllis Hyman and Michael Henderson.

This album "Eternity", released in 2000, will bring you more of the level of musicality Norman Connors is known for. The production quality from beginning to end is top notch. The standout song that practically makes the CD worthwhile by itself is Lisa Fischer's stunning cover of the Delfonics "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)". There are great creative twists in the arrangement and Lisa's breathtaking vocals are nearly on the same level as her classic "How Can I Ease The Pain?". Other standout songs are "So Hard To Say Goodbye" featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright, "Cobra" featuring guitarist Norman Brown, "We're Still Friends" and "Not Just Another Love Song" featuring Donald Tavie, the title track "Eternity" and "K. C."

What keeps this CD from a 5 is that not all of the songs are standout songs and some feel like filler music - not sounding bad, but nothing special to them. Peabo Bryson's cover of "You Are My Starship" , though well done, pales in comparison to the original. The instrumental version of Toni Brazton's "You're Making Me HIgh" lacks energy. These are 2 examples of the other music on the CD.

The superb technical quality makes the whole CD a good relaxing listening experience.

I have been a Norman Connors fan for years, every since he
teamed up with Michael Henderson back in the 70's!
I have a number of his CD's and this one in my opinion
is his best work. He has a unique style of smooth jazz and
funk, and he is a a master at arranging old tunes. I rank
Norman Connors up there with the Quincy Jones in music,
as he is an outstanding producer and percussionist!

I know you won't be dissapointed if you are a Norman
Connors fan!

You are my Starship..... What can be said about that cut? You either fell deeply in love with someone during that record, conceived children, lost your virginity, etc.,etc.... This is a multi-talented artist, who makes music that deeply affects many different generations of people! Excellent jazz, smooth R&B, and wonderfully meaningful words to great music! Excellent artists backing him up and singing as well! He has helped launch many a wonderful artist's career! Please pick this one up! Wonderful stuff! Peace and Love