Fans of Paul Hardcastle will be more than aware of British vocalist and songwriter Helen Rogers who, between 1991 and 2006, provided her textbook soulful vocals to his iconic Jazzmaster recordings. However, it was back in 1982 when, as lead singer with the band Direct Drive, Helen first experienced chart success. This funk driven collective posted hits, both on the Black Echoes and the UK singles charts where the single ‘A.B.C. (Falling in Love's Not Easy)’ made number 75 in 1985. Now Helen is back with her (long overdue) debut solo CD, the intriguingly titled ‘Smooth Jazz Meets Reggae’ and just in case you are wondering where the reggae came from it is worth noting that one of her first professional gigs was in 1978 with One Stop Music, an independent South London label, that specialized in this Caribbean inspired genre. ‘Smooth Jazz Meets Reggae’ is out now on Skinny Bwoy Records, an independent US label with a leaning toward reggae, and is worth a closer look.
Because followers of reggae do not naturally align with those of a smooth jazz persuasion there will be different points of view as to what elements of this diverse collection work best. For example, from a reggae perspective, some will adore the relaxed take on William De Vaughn’s classic ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’, the zesty ‘Woman Overboard’, the compelling ‘I’m Still In Love’ or a refreshing re-imagining of the Norah Jones smash ‘Don’t Know Why’. There will be others who instantly connect with the eminently accessible ‘Faith For Love’ or with ‘Scheherazade’ that with great input from Rogers works well and at multiple levels.
Sliding effortlessly into contemporary jazz territory, the easy grooving ‘Summer In The City’ proves to be the perfect vehicle for Helen’s distinctive tones and much the same can be said of the distinctly mellow ‘Let It Be’ that is additionally offered, both as a chill mix bonus track and as a ‘semi instrumental’ featuring Quicktouch.
All can be regarded as amongst the album’s outstanding numbers and another is the first single to be released to radio, the wonderfully mellifluous ‘In The Light’. Providing cross over appeal to fans of smooth jazz, blue eyed soul and the wider adult contemporary genre, this one is sure to do well.