Having just written about Ronnie Laws' superb "Mirror Town" album, this inevitably led me to reviewwing the contemporary album by Jeff Lorber, "Private Passion". Jeff was a real favourite of mine, prior to the smooth jazz implosion, and you used to be able to depend on Jeff for a quality uptempo soulful tune or ballad fronted by a seriously talented singer. This album was, for me, the last great album from this man, and both vocals and instrumentals really get equal top-billing. This set from late 1986 brough to our attention a wonderful singer - then a newcomer - called Karyn White, as well as showcasing Tower Of Power's excellent Michael Jeffries. Both singers would go on to record solo projects with Warner Brothers, Karyn having the greatest success, and it was a pity that Michael's set was particularly weak and did not bank on his excellent vocals, instead trying to cash in on the fad that was New jack Swing.Of the vocals, the leading single release was the chuny, funky and synthy "Facts Of Love", a track that went down a real storm on Robbie Vincent's Radio 1 show, and clubs up and down the country. Thgis is exactly what I loved about the 1980s - soulful vocals married to an infectious and upbeat joyous groove. You cannot beat it. Yes, this is a choon indeed! More downtempo is the fine duet between Karyn and Michael called "Back In Love" - a blinding cut, this and one that I still dig out from time to time. For me, one of Michael's finest moments comes with the jubilant "Keep On Lovin' Her" - a truly feel-good song, yet with quite rueful lyrics. The theme is of a loveblind, used and put-down guy. Relationships, eh?! The instrumentals of note, for me at least, include the beautiful "Kristen" and the fun "Midnight Snack". Truly fine examples of Jeff in the 1980s. Hopefully Jeff will return to these styles in the near future, and if so I will be waving a banner for him! Released in the US on Warner Brothers, and in the UK on Club this has recently enjoyed a CD reissue on the excellent Wounded Bird imprint. Now you can enjoy this at a reasonable price on CD.
