Customer Reviews

Soul Symphony

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Soul Symphony is Will Downing's TWELVE album! Did you read that correctly, people? Album Number 12! Will Downing came out 17 years ago when he released his debut self-titled album in 1988 under the 4th & Broadway record label, the same people that put out Paid In Full for Eric B and Rakim! Usually when people talk about a long-standing career, they are talking about a dozen or so albums over 20 or 30 or even 40 years. This man is cranking out albums like there is no tomorrow. And if you're already familiar with his music, then you know that his crooning has for the most part remained consistent since day one. So with Soul Symphony, Will Downing is pretty much continuing to please his faithful followers and entice new listeners to become fans.

One of my favorite songs of all time is his duet with Rachelle Ferrell entitled "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This" from his Love's The Place To Be album in 1993. I've been a fan ever since seeing that live-in-concert video on BET that day (that was the first year I ever had cable!) More than a decade later, and I'm still amazed at the vocals and the lyrics that Will Downing has always had in his repertoire. He's often slumped into the Smooth Jazz category, but Will Downing can easily be enjoyed by R&B lovers as well. "Put Me On" is sort of like a stepper's song only without the illustrious R. Kelly at the helm. Another song entitled "Soul Steppin" is obviously geared towards the stepping crowd as well as "Will Still Loves You." But Will Downing slows it down with songs like the groovy "What's It Gonna Be," the seductive "Make Time For Love," and "Crazy Love." But his most noticeable album tracks tend to be cover songs, and he does his own rendition of the classic "Superstar" that another crooner named Luther Vandross made a great remake of.

His other two songs on the album are traditional Will Downing songs, namely "A Promise" and "Heart Of Mine." There's not a lot of bad things to say about Will Downing...and why would you? The man has put in his time and done what he's needed to do to stay in the music business for so long. Sure he doesn't go Gold or Platinum like other fly-by-night artists, but in the end Will outshines them all when it comes to worthiness and having a long-standing career. I've had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a few years ago, sharing the stage with Phil Perry, Chante Moore, and Gerald Albright. It was easily one of the most delightful concerts that I got to share with the woman who would ultimately become my wife. And sitting in the front row to see her favorite singer Chante Moore perform and one of my favorite singers made it all worth it. Hopefully Will Downing will support Soul Symphony with a tour and you'll be able to witness it all for yourself.

What can I say about the undeniable talent of this master-crooner Mr. Downing? "Soul Symphony" is one of those records that you out on while you are driving home at night from a stressful day at work, soaking in a nice candle-lit bath, or having a nice quiet romantic evening with that special someone. The man makes your heart melt, and your lips curve up into a smile as you listen to these grooves. I love the Luther remake, as he is called "the poorman's Luther", but let me tell you he shines. Buy this album! Will is such an underrated artist. Though I havent been into him for the last 12 albums as may of you who review him have, I certainly appreciate good music. In fact, I got into him from the Emotions album when I heard, "A Million Ways" one night listening to the Quiet Storm and jumped up from my bed, and said aloud, "Who is that?!" Mr. Downing has captured my heart...

I would give this album 10 Stars if I could.

I love this guy. His voice is amazing and makes you weak at the knees. He keeps getting better and this is his 12 cd so imagine how good he's always been and now that he's here, it's that much better again. I love Soul Steppin and Superstar. He's obviously singing about himself, because in my mind he is a superstar. If you love sexy, romantic, bedroom music, then this is for you. What a voice.

I am not at all surprised by his artistry. If I have anything negative to say about the cd (it's just that the tracks/cd were too short), you will never get tired of listening to this cd. For me I enjoy putting a cd in and leaving it to play! And this is that!

I Love Will Downing. I am never disappointed with his music--He is always on top of his game. He brings out that xtra love in my heart!! He's awesome and so is this cd!!

I like this CD,it's smooth,mellow,enjoyable.
It's only too short,it clocks less than 40 minutes...running short of inspiration?
What's missing in this nice CD is a 'killer' track and a sweeping duet with Regina...
I can't wait to catch them both in concert at the BJCC Concert Hall in Birmingham , AL in the next days !!

Without a doubt, Soul Symphony is by far one of the best CDs that Will Downing has created. I had an opportunity to see him in Washington, DC on October 4, 2005, at a CD signing promotion. He is very warm and personable, like his voice. Since October 4th, I have been playing Soul Symphony non-stop. I enjoy "all" of the tracks for they are imbedded with special messages of love and hope. It feels as though Will is singing to your heart. Soul Symphony is a must have CD for your collection! It makes the perfect gift for that special someone. In fact, this was the perfect birthday gift for me. Please order it. You will not regret this purchase. Expect even greater and more spectacular things out of Will Downing in the future. Stay tuned, for the best is yet to come.

Blessings,

Joan
A Fan Forever

I have been a Will Downing fan since I heard him sing Where is the Love with Mica Paris. A very distinctive voice, sometimes he is referred to as the male Anita Baker or the poorman's Luther. I have seen this gentleman 3 years in a row, have all of his cd's. Soul Symphony is a classic. Along with his standard songs of love he has songs of hope and inspiration and even a rendition of Luther Vandross's Superstar done in such a jazzy style. Will Downing has been flying under the radar for years, so for those of you who are music fans, Smooth Symphony is the cd of choice for 2005.

Will Downing has been doing his thing for a number of years now, and on each album, you were able to enjoy the way his tenor vocals glide along the nice lyrics. And his latest offering, Soul Symphony, continues that quality.

This album has nine tracks, but it's over 40 minutes, so I don't know if you should call it an EP or a true CD, but at any rate, there are great songs like "Put Me On", "A Promise" and "Make Time For Love". And while some people may not like the uptempo "Soul Steppin'", I think it still works. The only song I didn't really care for was the corny "Will Still Loves You". And even though he did a great job on his remake of "Superstar", I'm starting to get tired of people covering that song. But Soul Symphony will still take you on a wonderful musical journey.

Anthony Rupert

"I understand how you feel..."

I was looking for something to listen to late at night and Will Downing's voice is especially soothing. The first song is a classy invitation to fall into his voice and relax. The music is romantic and soul soothing.

Like a deep happy sigh of pleasure, his singing is an embrace and a musical kiss. I love the lyrics and the message of love they convey. Sexy, silky and definitely the music to listen to late at night when you are in a jazzy, classic soul mood.

"I love you, I really do..."

There are few songs that say what I want to hear and this album is filled with
such romantic beauty. mmm, he is so smooth. He knows how to speak to the heart.

"You hold a special place in this heart of mine..."

Women want to be cherished and this delivers.

~The Rebecca Review