For
George Howard,
Midnight Mood is business as usual, with the saxophonist (heard mostly on soprano) once again comfortable pursuing a pop/urban contemporary/jazz formula. Decent cuts include the haunting "Africa" and the sexy "Find Your Way" (which features R&B singer
Marva King), although on tracks such as "Still in Love," "Within Your Eyes," and a cover of
D'Angelo's R&B hit "Smooth,"
Howard carefully avoids spontaneity and sees to it that every note is in place. ~ Alex Henderson