There is a strange but beautiful irony that occurs when an artist writes a great song upon the death of a loved one. Doubtful that
Brian Culbertson was aiming for one of
Somethin' Bout Love's (Atlantic) most emotionally rich tunes when he wrote the powerful gospel of "I'm Gonna Miss You" for his late manager Howard Lowe II, but he and co-writer/vocalist
Lori Perry achieve just that. Unlike similar tunes in American culture that come across as generic, the poignant lyrics are specific to the artist-manager relationship, adding to the tune's uniqueness. The previous ten tracks are typically engaging
Culbertson: irresistibly bubbly piano melodies over easy funk grooves, and engaging guest shots by genre artists like saxman
Steve Cole (whose alto jams alongside the piano on the hook as
Ricky Peterson's Hammond B-3 simmers like a finger on the trigger in the background),
Paul Jackson, Jr.,
Wayman Tisdale, and
Dave Koz. Part of the
Culbertson lore has him becoming a smooth jazz star while pursuing his love of film scoring. "The Rise and Fall (Of Loving You)," a powerful duet with Koz, soars like the climactic scene in a romantic movie.
Culbertson should also further cultivate his love for brassy R&B/blues funk, as the jammin' "Back in the Day" -- featuring the keyboardist playing trumpet and trombone -- which rings like a classic
Earth, Wind & Fire type tune. ~ Jonathan Widran