Smooth jazz fans who enjoy a touch of R&B (think Pieces of a Dream, the Crusaders, or Fourplay) should try Fingerprints' new album, Dream Life, a solid collection ranging from soul to Latin tracks. The Dallas-based band has built their reputation through numerous live shows as well as albums such as 2001's well-received DNA. Dream Life showcases Fingerprints members' individual abilities and demonstrates how they form a cohesive whole.
The first track, the Herbie Hancock cover "Tell Me a Bedtime Story," features Shelly Carrol, whose flute solos drive the mid-tempo number. Hancock's unusual chord changes keep the listener interested throughout the song. R&B shines through on the album's title track, which features a catchy, popping bass line. Eighties soul fans will appreciate the number's guest keyboardist—Bernard Wright, who scored a 1985 hit with "Who Do You Love." Wright also arranges "Lady Bird," which covers bop composer, arranger, and pianist Tadd Dameron's classic. Soul further infuses "What Were You Thinking," which overlays the drum beat with a funky bass pattern. Composer Larry Davis' keyboard skills add to the chilled-out tone of the song, perfect for sitting down with a glass of wine and just relaxing.
One of the album's centerpieces is "I Am a Man," which was written for a recent documentary of the same title. While the horn parts clearly echo Memphis soul, the lyrics (sung by vocalist Tim Jones) address male identity and the struggle to survive. The words may contain much-used cliches, but the R&B-influenced instrumentation rescues the rest of the song, thus emphasizing Fingerprints' southern roots.
Other covers include "For You I Will," a smooth jazz makeover of the 1997 Monica song. The saxophone lines effectively mimic Monica's vocals, and overall this version veers little from the Diane Warren-penned original.
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