Norman Connors – Star Power
Norman Connors – Star Power
Growing
up as the ever consummate musician, Norman Connors saw a lot of stars
along the way – whether mentors, idols, or strong inspirations that
just fueled his love for jazz and soul. The Philadelphia native picked up his first set of drumsticks at age five while picking up a keen ear for composing. He
also kept his eyes open for critical opportunities to learn from
established players, starting with a fellow drummer who was the younger brother of the new bassist of Art
Blakey’’s Jazz Messengers – Spanky DeBrest. As a teenager,
unusual circumstances brought Connors to start creating his own star
quality filling in for all people – Elvin Jones – John Coltrane’s
timekeeper at the time. Eventually, Connors also met his designated idol, Miles Davis. Sometimes
on breaks from the increasing jazz gigs, Connors slipped away on breaks
to check out soulful vocal groups like The Stylistics. While continuing his drum lessons on Saturdays, Connors treated himself to a movie afterwards at Philly’s Earle Theatre. Then
there was the crème de la crème of the double header; you guessed it; a
star studded live concert with jazz pioneers like Count Basie and Duke
Ellington leading their bands, and Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald at
the microphone. Enamored by their vocal presence, Connors had figured his musical calling was set.
After
graduating from the prestigious Julliard School of Music, Connors
worked alongside some progressive jazz stars – Archie Shepp and Pharoah
Sanders to name a few. Connors’ roots were firmly planted in jazz and kept that aspect for his first few solo albums. Remembering
his affection for sweet soul music, his musical direction shifted to a
jazz/R&B hybrid after his first four recordings. When
not behind his drum kit, Connors became more active in realizing future
R&B star’s dreams – as a mentor and producer to many vocal soul
stars in the making. Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne,
& Michael Henderson (also a former bass guitarist for Miles Davis) and
guitarist Norman Brown were just a few of what Connors dubbed the
Starship family, named after his trademark smash from 1976 – “You Are
My Starship.” Connors produced a stream of recordings in the seventies before slowing down with intermittent contributions since.
The first disc after a seven year break is appropriately titled Star Power – where the vocal stars are the biggest asset. First
of all, “You Are My Starship” marks a triumphant return; this time with
Peabo Bryson in the Michael Henderson original vocal role. Urban
music veteran Howard Hewitt joins a promising soul voice Antoinette
Manganas for her composition “Where Do We Go From Here.” Manganas, who may remind listeners of Celine Dion, also electrifies on renditions of two big hits: Sade’s’ sensual “The Sweetest Taboo” and Dionne Warwick’s easy listening “Walk On By.” The
ballad “You Take My Breath Away” showcases still another fresh talent
as Danny Boy rekindles some memories of Donny Hathway and Bryson. Terrill
Carter, a versatile singer/actor from the Tyler Perry movies,
demonstrates solid vocal control from the get-go of “Reach For The
Sky.” Some overlooked voices from the past also make lasting
impressions. “Used To Be” sprinkles subtle
hip-hop elements with pumping beats and powerful pipes from Christopher
Williams, who first cut his teeth during the eighties’ New Jack Swing
era. Finally a Connors’ associate – Juanita Daley – evokes a Gospel spirit into “I Waited All My Life.”
There
is also an appropriate tribute to the big bands of the Duke & the Count
as illustrated by “”Adore”” that adds a welcome exclusivity to the mostly
smooth jazz/R&B mix.
Where Star Power
loses some of its luster is on most of the instrumental pieces,
especially the tepid attempt at “Rock With You,” the R&B/pop mega
hit for Michael Jackson, and the disappointing “Stormin’ Norman.”
Star Power does have a few mild bumps. But
collectively, Connors’’ debut release for Shanachie Entertainment is
also an absolute testament to his wisdom in choosing well-rounded
voical stars; whether veterans like Bryson & Hewitt, and discovering (or
rediscovering) many underappreciated voices as Terrill, Daly, Manganas,
and Williams. Over thirty-five years in the solo
recording business has also not dampened Connors’ respect for creating
classy urban pieces that is light years away from some of today’s
cluttered R&B/hip-hop mess.
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene
Album to be released Feb. 24th, 2009! Pre-Order “Star Power” now at Amazon!