The Colours Of Life by Amber Whitlock

Doolittle musical, with an incredible & unusual solo from Anthony Jackson on bass.

Original song "Queen of Mediocrity", features guitar god Scott Henderson tearing a hole through the dark corners of your brain. And Jazz great Michael Brecker joins Amber on the title cut playing with such soul that it permeates your very existence. Rob teams up with Amber and accoustic bassist Trey Henry to underscore with tenderness and simplicity "When She Loved Me", an almost classical endeavor. Other songs include a gorgeous gospel choir of LA's top singers & a vocoder solo by Rob, playing along with friend & guitarist Brian Price.

Having enlisted the immeasurable talent of Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, tasteful grooves on the title song, ballads and even one song in seven are delivered; reminding one why Sting, Faith Hill & Frank Zappa, among others, count Vinnie as their favorite drummer. Cliff Almond, also one of the nations powerhouse drummers, is one with Anthony whether playing swing, salsa, fusion or pop. Here he rocks out on "Too Cool To Fool" and instills mystery and vision into "When I Look In Your Eyes".

There are two Old School Duets featured, the first with Jim Gilstrap of Stevie Wonder fame ( "You are The Sunshine of My Life" ). Jim always brings it on home the very first time around with his warm rich baritone voice, and luscious falsetto. "Until Now" features a favorite partner of Amber's, Leonard Tucker, who blends with her like milk with honey for a playful romp echoing the classic group SEA BREEZE.

The cd is reminiscent of the warm sounds of the 70s and early 80s old school soul and jazz, and can be listened to intently for nuance of musicianship, or used as a soundtrack to your own busy life. Either way the sounds and songs are soothing, inspiring and haunting.

Influences include: Billie Holiday, Roberta Flack, Phyllis Hyman, Nancy Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones and many others.

Currently Amber is listening to Diana Krall, Nora Jones and Madeline

Pireaux...

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