Bob Baldwin | Never Can Say Goodbye (A Tribute To Michael Jackson)

Bob Baldwin | Never Can Say Goodbye (A Tribute To Michael Jackson)
by George Strand

A year after the passing of the late, greatest entertainer of the world, Mr. Michael Jackson, pianist Bob Baldwin celebrates his legacy with a compelling tribute. The recording, “Never Can Say Goodbye” from Trippin N Rhythm Records, highlighted many of the biggest singles that had reached maximum chart status on Billboard. If not for a few. Bob Baldwin may have seen the future into the making of this record when he last revisited Mr. Jackson’s “Never Can Say Goodbye” on the disc “BobBaldwin.com” in 2000. I bet he will be scratching his cheeks as he reads this.

Contemporary Jazz music always seems to share compassion with great R&B music. From one bridge to another. It is the very sole reason why there has been a tremendous amount of ‘cover’s released by the majority of those artists. Especially for the questionable ‘smooth jazz’ format. Whether it be designed or curtailed for radio airplay recognition, or simply to help the artist get ‘discovered’ easily with a track everyone else is already aware of. Easy identification of a power chart-buster from the day significantly helps just about any artist in any genre. Except when that tactic gets abused too many times by the same artist, the lack of talent falls away. It gets questioned. And later on, they lose traction of what they are supposed to preserve & present to lovers of their art. Slowly but surely, they fall off the scene.

I don’t believe it was Mr. Baldwin’s endeavor to chase that star. I believe Bob really felt compelled to deliver not only a tribute for Michael, but to also share an endearing passion for the piano he carefully orchestrated for his fans to listen to.

In review of the project, I found this 12 track collectible quite interesting. Considering the change of tempo for some certain compositions, as well as the creative twists offered by special guests Ragan Whiteside, Steve Oliver, Trumpeter Joey Sommerville, Chieli Minucci & Chuck Loeb.

Speaking of Ms. Whiteside, she delivered a sparkling flute solo midway, 3 minutes to be exact, into the #1 hit, “Bad” that should leave everyone with a big smile. “The Girl Is Mine” was as ‘smooth’ as it is going to get. Almost classical to say the least, but right in tune with Mr. Baldwins generous touch of the keys. However, I wasn’t too impressed with the way “Human Nature” was rendered. It sounded good, but I figured Bob would have gone a little bit more deeper, if you will, into the structure of the track. And he should have.

The songs continue with its smooth agility. “I Can’t Help It”, “Prodigious”, “The Lady In My Life”...these tracks carried the true meaning of the word “smooth” from the catch phrase ‘smooth jazz’. However, the more beneficial choices for playback rested on tracks, “I’ll Be There”, “I Wanna Be Where You Are” & “Let Me Show You” where these show urgency & feeling. Joey Sommerville backed up Bob peacefully with the trumpet flair & vocal arrangements for “Let Me Show You”.

Produced & Arranged by Bob Baldwin, the CD has its moments. But its a stellar arrangement of songs that can easily transcend the mind & send a small snapshot of M.J. reflecting graciously on the minds of every fan still missing him from this day forward. I give this disc a 4 out of 5. We can never underestimate the sheer brilliance Michael J. gave to us, nor take for granted the music he left us. Perhaps the tribute album is just a building block or tool for motivation to another project like this. Something much more on a grander scale. Mr. Baldwin stroked the initial cord 1st. The question is, who is next to step up to the plate?

George Strand
The Urban Music Scene