J.P. DeLaire | In My LIfe
Listen to “Never Enough” from the “In My Life” Album on our New Voices of Today Page by clicking here!!
A surprising new effort coming from a smooth R&B singer representing Minneapolis, MN. in J.P. DeLaire, may have slipped past the music radar. As a member of the popular “Peterson Family” & previous stints with a possible influence in Prince, as well as touring along side vocalist Michael Bolton, its obvious: J.P. is a well seasoned performer. And his debut project, “In My Life” will speak testimony on it. The 10 track selection, is attractive by far, with flavor for the contemporary R&B format & original ballad material ready for the new & old school generation always looking for a breakout record. By all means, this may end up becoming one of them.
Track Listing:
~ Never Enough
~ The Prodigal Son
~ I Need Your Love
~ In My Life
~ Gotta Keep The Funk Alive
~ Last Call
~ Special Lady
~ We Can’t Go On
~ Living With a Broken Heart
~ True Love
The album breaks out with “Never Enough”, a mellow, urban inspired slow jam highlighting J.P.’s songwriting skills. The sound of the turntable scratch opens up “The Prodigal Son” & it chills. One of my fav’s, “I Need Your Love” feat a R&B player whose music I once rotated on the wheels of Steel ‘Mico Wave’ (Remember the slow jam, “Instant Replay”?) on the Talk Box. This cut will possibly stick out among many of you as the heat seeker. “In My Life” stirs & conjures up emotion to life’s experiences & also served as a dedication to President Barack Obama’s earlier campaign. Listen in on the lyrical content.
“Gotta Keep Funk Alive” said it all by itself. No need to elaborate. Another approach at appreciating the aspect of beauty in a lady was spoken for in “Special Lady”. Very tasteful & backed with a head knoddin’ groove line. Check the sax solo in between the bars folks. Kinda reminds me of the way traditional/contemporary R&B/soul music was written back in the 70’s & 80’s. And not to forget, this side piece happened earlier in “Never Enough” as well.
The last 3 tracks “We Can’t Go On”, “Living With a Broken Heart” & True Love” ends the album on a slow, quiet stormin’ reflection in the mirror. A better part of the disc with a tranquil, musical illustration to beautiful love songs.
I’m going to the ‘Go Get It’ pass again T.U.M.S. Readers. J.P.’s music was refreshing, with a little touch of the 80’s vibe. A reminder of the way some great songs of the day were once written. Not over produced, nor over arranged. The album should put J.P. on the map very soon.
Terrill Hanna
The Urban Music Scene