Forever, For Always, For Luther

Kirk Whalum | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 27, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Verve Fontana
• ASIN: B0002B258C
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,256 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This star-studded smooth-jazz tribute to Luther Vandross adds credence to the idea that the saxophone is the instrument that comes closest to mimicking the human voice. The passion that these reed players--including Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Mindi Abair, and Dave Koz--pour into their respective tracks makes it seems like they're speaking right from the heart. Guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. does a very funky turn on "Never Too Much," and two of the most underrated singers in contemporary urban music, Lalah Hathaway and Ledisi, also provide highlights. But the sax players steal the show, trying to match Vandross's fiery intensity, while much of the rest of the cast seem content to offer basic remakes. That's not necessarily a bad thing; co-producer and keyboard whiz Rex Rideout has delivered a thoroughly enjoyable listen from beginning to end, allowing smooth-jazz fans to sing along with Vandross's very familiar catalog. --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indeed Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, August 11, 2004

By 

Raider Jack "Jackie D Gray-Romeyn" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Forever, For Always, For Luther (Audio CD)

I just picked up this CD and am currently listening to the track that made me rush out and get this immediately: Ledisi's version of "My Sensitivity" is alone, worth the price of admission!!!!! Equally impressive is Lalah Hathaway's awesome reading of "Forever, For Always, For Love."

This is indeed a smooth, cohesive, and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. The choice of selections as well as the interpreters are top-notch. Even the order of the songs is the best combination considering the selection choice. Of course the only complaint I have is with "Dance With My Father" which, while the sentiment is certainly admirable, as a song it ranks right up there with Luther's worst.

But again, as a body of work, this is a high-caliber CD with wondrous performances and a more than worthy addition to your smooth jazz collection as well as an admirable tribute to one of the music industry's finest artists.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Awesome CD!!!, August 19, 2004

By 

C. Alexander "Luther Lover" (Bay Shore, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Forever, For Always, For Luther (Audio CD)

These artists can do no wrong, They do serious justice to Luther's songs, taking nothing away from the songs themselves! They enhance each and every song and remind you why Luther is the Maestro of Love songs! Get well soon Luther you are truly missed!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have!!!, August 16, 2004

By 

Roy A. Bradford Jr. "Big Smooth" (New Mexico by way of Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Forever, For Always, For Luther (Audio CD)

For all those Luther fans out there this is a Must have CD. The artists on the tribute do an excellent job with the songs. You could just listen to it all day. My only complaint is that there aren't more tracks, but that's just me being greedy. Great job and I will be looking for more excellent collaborations like this one.