By any standards The Isley Brothers have done more to impact the confluence of R & B and smooth contemporary jazz than arguably anyone else around. This iconic line-up has the distinction of placing hit singles on the pop and R&B charts in every decade from the 1950’s right up until the present and their enduring yet unique sound owes much to the soulful tones of leader Ronal Isley. Now, belatedly, and after fully 50 years in the recording business, the great man is all set to release his very first solo album. Titled ‘Mr. I’, it will be released November 30 on the Def Jam label and follows in the Isley tradition of collaborating with some of the hottest young producers of the current era.
Headlined by the sumptuously silky new single ‘No More’ the album is executive produced by Ronald Isley and Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid while artists putting in guest appearances include T.I. on the track ‘Put Your Money On Me’ and the Queen Of Soul, Aretha Franklin, on the climactic closing version of Carole King’s ‘You’ve Got a Friend’.
It promises to be something very special so check back here soon for a complete review of ‘Mr. I’.