When in May 2007 I reviewed Jackiem Joyner’s debut CD ‘Baby Soul’ I described it as an extremely accomplished collection and a superb showcase for his obvious talent. Now, signed to the Artistry Music wing of Mack Avenue Records, ‘the baby’ has very much become ‘the man’ and his aptly titled new release ‘Lil’ Man Soul’ is chock full of the soulfully smooth grooves that typify his style of urban jazz. In fact it is music that has accurately been described as soul-jazz and with nine of his own compositions, another co-written with Paul Brown plus two innovative covers, this is an album that simply oozes soul.
Still only 28, Jackiem Joyner has been catching the eye with his live performances since 2001. He has opened for India Arie, Boney James, Spyro Gyra and George Benson but was first noticed by Marcus Johnson who hired him as his touring sax-man. Since then this native of Norfolk Virginia has gone on to work extensively with Bobby Lyle, Jean Carne, Angela Bofill and the great Ronnie Laws. More recently he has become an integral part of Keiko Matsui’s touring band and in addition is a ‘go to’ sideman for the likes of Joe Sample and Gerald Albright. An accomplished song writer, Joyner has the knack of fashioning contemporary jazz that is invariably radio-ready and this aptitude is well exemplified by the track ‘Stay With Me Tonight’ from his ‘Baby Soul’ release. Enjoying twenty five weeks on the chart of most played on smooth jazz radio it peaked at 13 yet the first radio single from ‘Lil Man Soul’ has already made this accolade look decidedly ordinary. The sassy, mid tempo ‘I’m Waiting For You’ is currently number one on the Groove Jazz music charts and moreover provides a terrific insight into what ‘Lil’ Man Soul’ is all about.
Indeed, the album opens with the easy on the ear ‘Take Me There’ that is replete with the melodic vibe that Joyner captures so well. ‘Round The World’ is another slice of ultra accessible mid tempo smooth jazz with a title that reflects his recent and extensive road trips with Matsui whilst when Joyner calls on the writing and production skills of Paul Brown the result is the catchy yet understated ‘When The Time Is Right’. Although Brown is arguably one of today’s leading contemporary jazz producers it is indicative of Joyner’s own flare at the mixing desk that the eleven tunes he produces sound every bit as good.
A case in point is his sensitive take on Robin Thicke’s colossal breakthrough hit ‘Lost Without You’. It proves to be a total delight and although the title cut also finds Joyner in restrained mode, an urgent rhythm which incrementally builds takes it to a place both intense and hypnotic. Joyner offers up something of a repeat performance with ‘When We Come Together’ where his soaring sax ratchets up the emotion to incredible heights while it is enough to say that the wonderful steppers beat of ‘Step With Me’ provides what every aficionado of this sublime dance form could ever need. Joyner uses the big and brassy ‘J Street’ to demonstrate that he can get funky with the best of them but truth to tell he is often at his best when slipping into a seductive groove.
He does just that with the smoky ‘Where’s The Love Gone?’ and his sultry rendition of Mario’s hit ballad ‘Let Me Love You’ is outstanding. Clearly one of the albums top tracks it is bettered only by ‘Say I Do’. With a languid sexy groove this is a cut that says everything about what top-notch urban jazz should be.
‘Lil’ Man Soul’ by Jackiem Joyner is now out worldwide. For more information go to www.mackavenue.com or for the latest on Jackiem Joyner visit his website at www.jackiemjoyner.com