Customer Reviews

Forever, For Always, For Luther

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

"Forever For Always, For Luther" is a shining homage to the legendary Luther Vandross. Producer Rex Rideout, who has co-authored songs, and contributed both keyboards and arrangements to many of Luther's albums, seems to have found a formula for success in this all-star tribute. The album is very smooth and relaxed and seems to evoke that old soul feeling, but with a modern edge.
Fresh instrumentals and beats melt under the voices of Leylah Hathaway, George Benson, and hot new R&B singer, Ledisi. "Any Love" featuring saxophonist Kirk Whalum opens the CD and immediately sets the tone as the perfect declaration of what this tribute was intended for- to celebrate the life and success of the one and only Mr. Luther Vandross.
With an impressive variety of styles on this soul tribute, tunes like "If Only For One Night" featuring Dave Koz on soprano saxophone and Brian Culbertson on keyboards and, the sentimental "Dance With My Father," with Trumpeter Rick Braun, come across nostalgically familiar, yet completely natural, and innovative.
Boney James' "Wait For Love" sounds very romantic and soulful, while others are strong and upbeat, like "Never Too Much," featuring Paul Jackson Jr.
As a longtime fan of the irreplaceable Luther Vandross, I feel that producers Rex Rideout and Bud Harner have skillfully consummated this vision into the reality of a brilliant tribute to an exceptional musician.

I first heard the Lala Hathaway song ( Forever for Always, for Love) and thought man this is a great song. When I got the CD I appreciated all the renditions of Luther's Classics. I long for the day when people in my age group early 20's start to support real artist and music.. I used to think smooth jazz was corny but i am really feeling this disc.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT COMPILATION OF 'LUTHER' HITS, AND WELL DELIVERED. I ACTUALLY ENJOY SOME BETTER THAN LUTHER'S ORIGINALS. IF YOU LIKE GOOD MUSIC AND BETTER,,,BUY IT.

THIS IS A GREAT CD! ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE GOOD! I ONLY WISH THERE WAS MORE OF IT. THIS WOULD BE A GREAT TRAVELING CD OR ONE TO JUST CHILL BY.

GOOD JOB!

the Musicians&overall Arrangements compliment Luther Vandross's Music really well.Leylah Hathaway along with George Benson&Others truly add there touch&everything blends really well here. a smooth take on LV's Music.

Luther song's were done right on this cd. Neither songs or musicianship was compromised.

If you love jazz and you love Luther Vandross then you will love this CD!

With great artists like George Benson, Lalah Hathaway, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, and Dave Koz performing some of Luther's biggest hits, this CD has a nice blend of jazz instrumentals and vocals. And Ledisi's version of "My Sensitivity" will definitely make you move!

I love the CD and can't stop playing it!!!

Job Well Done!