With a singing style that is a delicious amalgam of R & B, contemporary jazz, and classical soul Toni Redd is indeed the real deal. Her recording credits include the debut CD, ‘Straight from the Heart’ and a guest spot on the eponymously titled ‘Fattburger.com’. As an actor she has toured with the play ‘A Good Man Is Still Hard To Find’ and appeared in the independent film ‘Losing Grace’. Now, in the safe stewardship of nuGroove Records, Redd is back with her sophomore project ‘N The Key Of Redd’. Substantially written by Redd and urban jazz maestro Bob Baldwin (who also plays keys throughout) this sophisticated ten track collection of smooth R & B marks out Redd as a force to be reckoned with.
Growing up in her native Atlanta, GA Toni discovered a love for music and as a child studied the guitar and developed an interest in singing. Her professional career has led to performances and the chance to share the concert stage with luminaries such as Najee, Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, The Rippingtons, Pieces Of A Dream, Alex Bugnon, Angela Bofill and Rick Braun to name but a few. Now this latest collaboration with Bob Baldwin seems set to propel her to a new level or stardom.
‘N The Key Of Redd’ finds Redd running the gamut of musical emotions and although tracks such as the tender ‘I Apologize’ and the equally turned down ‘Missing You’ typify the album’s predominately sensitive nature she is never afraid to push out the boundaries into more rhythmic areas. Indeed even though ‘The Love Is Gone’ retains that same luscious mid tempo vibe it is enriched in equal measure by Redd’s earthy vocal and effective sax from Kelly O’Neal. When O’Neal returns for Redd’s pleasingly soulful take on the Christopher Cross hit ‘Sailing’ the result is just as good and as she reverts to quiet storm territory with ‘Holding On To Your Love’ it’s Baldwin who comes up huge with a spellbinding piano solo.
‘I’m Changing’ is an expansive ballad co-written by Baldwin and Porter Carroll and while ‘We Should Care’ results in an impassioned duet with Bobby James there is just time to reprise ‘I’m Changing’. The rocking guitar of Tomi Martin ensures that second time around the tune takes on a whole new feeling and despite the fact ‘Can’t Stop Thinking About You’ starts out in chilled out mode it quickly morphs into a compelling ‘tour de force’ with an energy all of its own.
A genuine Smooth Jazz Therapy favorite is the stunning mid tempo ‘Any Time Of Day’. In terms of singing style it draws obvious comparisons with Maysa Leak but just shading it as the albums best track is the infectious ‘Always There For Me’. This feisty collaboration between Redd and Sam Sims might just get in your head and not go away.
Toni Redd is a welcome addition to the nuGroove roster and with ‘N The Key Of Redd’ looks set for big things.
