The songs covered on
Body Party, the ninth album of smooth jazz from saxophonist
Kim Waters'
Streetwize group, weren't all number one R&B hits (as the cover states), but none of the selections are close to obscure. As usual, the group rolls through well-known contemporary singles with a predominantly instrumental and wholly relaxed approach. Silken takes on
Ciara's "Body Party,"
Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home," and
Miguel's "How Many Drinks" are among the highlights. Another bright spot,
Tamar Braxton's "The One," allows the group to have fun with
Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" and
the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy." For slightly older listeners,
Waters and company close out the the album by going back to 1979 for a serene version of
Angela Bofill's "I Try" -- a bittersweet quiet storm classic despite not being released as a single. Those who dig the
Bofill cover should check
Waters'
My Loves, issued only five months prior, which includes a rendition of
Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You" fronted by Dana Pope (one of the vocalists on this album). ~ Andy Kellman