Sensual Journey

Will Downing | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 7, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Grp Records
• ASIN: B00006316X
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,334 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Will Downing moves to a new label and takes romance to new heights on Sensual Journey. The dynamic singer/songwriter and producer is joined by a stellar constellation of musical stars on 11 inspired ballads that will warm even the coldest heart. Downing's proven composing skills are again at their best on such heartfelt tunes as "Home," "Almost Like Being in Love," and "Maybe," to attest to his ability to tell a great story. Best bets are the radio friendly "Cool Water" and"Can't Help It," which present Downing's sophisticated baritone vocals in undiscovered arrangements. Another emphatic arrangement is the mellifluous approach to Brenda Russell's "Don't You Talk to Me Like That," which features Vinx's unique scatting and Downing's one-of-a-kind interpretation of a very personal matter. Despite its title, it is one of the prettiest tunes on the CD because of Stefon Harris' sensitive vibraphone solo. As the CD closes, Will Downing takes his listeners from Brooklyn to the Caribbean via the inspired "Brooklyn Breezes" -- which he co-penned with Kashif -- and "Bolero Nova," a slow, sentimental bolero done with a modern spin. Downing definitely captures the essence of contemporary jazz, classic R&B-soul singing, and the Latin tinge on this excellent recording of his vocal mastery. And so another theme, another concept for the continuing journey into Downing's vast repertory. However, these 11 stories of love with their beautiful harmonies and lush melodies set Sensual Journey apart from his previous efforts because of the splendid musical accompaniment and variety of gorgeous ballads. -All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!, May 15, 2002

By 

Roberto Ballati (Moscow, Russian Federation) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sensual Journey (Audio CD)

Finally Mr. Downing did it. "Sensual Journey" is the album I have been waiting Will to record for years, the jewel of the crown among many shining diamonds this wonderful bariton has been giving us during his brilliant musical journey.
The hype is justified here: just sit down and relax, let the flow of smooth jazz, soul and passion catch you, feel the vibe, fly away with the beauty of the arrangements and the clarity of the sound of this superb cd.
Michael Jackson's oldie "I can't help it" (penned by the great Stevie Wonder) is covered with chocolate and cream, a delicious piece of art; the original was beautiful, but even Mr. Jackson will agree this is heaven. The other covers in the album are "Just don't wanna be lonely" and Ephraim Lewis "Drowning in your eyes" : they're new and already a classic at the same time.
Will voice purrs and sways and dance over the notes of Gerald Albright, Lee Ritenour, Boney James, Marcus Miller, it's supported by Vesta, Phil Perry, Kashif, and leaves you at the end with a sensation of complete peace.
The final cut "Bolero Nova" it's my favourite, with its samba flare and its simple melody is an instant standard to be performed again for the years to come by (hopefully)many other artists. But I also adore "Don't talk to me like that" with a faboulos jazzy scat solo by Vinx, "Brooklyn breezes", "If I ever lose this even"... To cut a long story short, there's not a single bad song here.
Thank you Mr. Downing for making a real good record. I knew you were great, but I didn't expect greatness going so far this time. Come on guys, don't let the charts ignore this smooth, flawless, sensual masterpiece!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER!, May 9, 2002

By 

"johnsonclan3" (Woodbridge, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sensual Journey (Audio CD)

I've anticipated the release of Sensual Journey for a few months now and it was definitely worth the wait! Sensual Journey is by far the best CD yet from Will Downing. If you "just liked" any Will Downing's previous CDs, then you will "LOVE" this one! From the first track, "Cool Water" to the last track, "Belero Nova", I anticipated hearing every song. There are so many great musicians that Will collaborated with on this CD which that along adds an extra flavor and makes this CD worth your listening pleasure. With such songs as "Don't Talk To Me Like That", If I Even Lose This Heaven" and "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely", Will does such a superb performance on adding his own style to these remakes that the original artists like Brenda Russell or The Main Ingredients would just have to say "WOW". It's always a pleasure for me to listen to good smoothing music, so listening to Senusal Journey made it a extra special treat!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey You'll Want To Take Over and Over Again....., August 28, 2002

By 

Tawana Hawkins (Akron, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sensual Journey (Audio CD)

It may just be me, but sometimes just clicking with the right label, a label that shares your vision and your passion. One that's not so concerned about a bottom line but is comfortable enough to let an artist be just that....an artist...you just might stumble upon the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. In a nutshell I've just described Mr. Downing's latest effort Sensual Journey. I've had it since the day it came out. It is one of the most romantic cd's I've ever heard. One that you can be sure sets the perfect mood.
There is something for everyone's musical taste without being pretentious. Even the songs he remade will be classics. It will be real hard for me to hear Michael Jackson sing, "I Can't Help It" after the way Will magically made it his own. It is an extremely sensual recreation. Another all time favorite of mine, "If I Ever Lose This Heaven" by the Average White Band will not easily be forgotten.
I believe this cd is the type of music he's wanted to make all along. When given the opportunity he made it with a fervor like it would be his very last. The song "Maybe" will definitely put love on your mind.
I'm hoping their future holds another project of this kind.
Sensual Journey.....indeed.