構成数 | 1枚

合計収録時間 | 00:55:21

Personnel: Jack Splash (keyboards, synthesizer, percussion, drum programming); Bobby Caldwell (guitar, keyboards, synthesizer); Eric Escanes (guitar); Gabriel Saientz, Dwayne Bennett (keyboards); David Chiverton (drums); Edwin Bonilla (percussion); Ted Zimmerman, David Palma, Dave Fernandez, Wayne Perry, Chad Bernstein (wind). Recording information: Jacks Jumpoff, Miami, FL. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Caldwell, one of those artists whose deep discography has been misunderstood (overshadowed by a major crossover hit), caught wind of producer Jack Splash's admiration and desire to work with him. After the two were put in touch with one another, they got along well enough to cook up Cool Uncle. Given Splash's past work with scads of high-profile singers and rappers, it's not surprising that the album's most potent songs have a foundation in the smooth and dapper end of late-'70s/early-'80s R&B. Several cuts, with popping basslines, subtle electric piano patterns, and soaring choruses, will have fans of that era drawing comparisons to similarly breezy grooves by the likes of the Gap Band, Con Funk Shun, Boz Scaggs, and Stevie Wonder. Additionally, there are some sly acknowledgments and thematic continuations of Caldwell's own output of the period. Caldwell makes a much better match for that mode than he does the busier/flashier productions and drier adult contemporary ballads that weigh the lengthy album down a bit. The mix of guests, which includes Deniece Williams, CeeLo Green, and Jessie Ware (who once covered Caldwell), add to the album's cross-generational character. ~ Andy Kellman