Love Absolute

Love Absolute provides more variety than any previous Vivian Green album. Aided again by songwriter and producer Kwame Holland, with whom she evaded a creative cul-de-sac in making Vivid, and kept accelerating for VGVI, the singer displays even greater lyrical and musical versatility. Theres a reggae belter delivered in distress, a burning update of the Mo Better Blues version of W.C. Handys Harlem Blues (featuring saxophonist Mike Phillips), and a rousing black empowerment anthem replete with hissing hi-hats, a section for a drill team, and echoes of Souls of Mischiefs 93 til Infinity. Among the highlights more in line with Greens later output are the smoldering You Send Me and the sparkling Where You Are -- both grade-A ballads -- and the nostalgic and colorful jam Light Up, a celebration of lasting love featuring Ghostface Killah and elements of early-80s classics by Evelyn King and Liquid Liquid. What the material lacks in continuity is balanced out by Greens comfort and understated excellence in each mode. ~ Andy Kellman

イヴリン・キング"Love Come Down"使いの先行曲"Light Up"をゴーストフェイス・キラーの客演版で収めた3年ぶりの新作。今回もクワメの全面制作で、ネオ・フィリー時代の芳醇な香りも蘇る開放的なミッド"Love Song"を筆頭に、愛や誇りを謳った曲を凛とした美声で披露する。ダビーな音使いや、マイク・フィリップスのサックスを絡めたWC・ハンディ作の古典"Harlem Blues"でジャズに接近して多様性も見せる好作だ。
bounce (C)林剛