Michael Jeffries, Daughter and Son | Family Affair

Album Review: Michael Jeffries, Daughter and Son
Family Affair
(MJM Artists)
By Randy Mahon

Listen to song samples from “Family Affair”, exclusively from Amazon on our R&B/Soul Page by clicking here!!

Memphis-born/Oakland-raised vocalist extraordinaire Michael Jeffries first came to the world’s attention when he joined the Bay Area Horn-and-Funk collective Tower of Power in 1977. Michael recorded a total of 4 albums during his tenure with the group: “We Came To Play” (1978), “Back on the Street” (1979), a live album in 1981 and “Dinosaur Tracks” (2000). In 1986, he contributed the song “Razzle Dazzle” solo to the soundtrack of the hit Goldie Hawn movie, “Wildcats”. Michael and future recording star Karyn White (best known for singing the now-classic Babyface-penned and produced, ballad “Superwoman” in 1988) were the featured vocalists on the cover and on the album of keyboardist Jeff Lorber’s 1986 Warner Bros. release “Private Passion”. In 1989, Michael recorded one spectacular but under-heard self-titled solo album for Warner Bros. produced by the then-red hot team of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis with Jellybean Johnson.

Now – over two decades later – Michael Jeffries makes his triumphant 2011 return to the music scene, this time with two individuals close to his heart: his daughter Anikol and his son Mike J {Michael Jeffries II} – both wonderful young vocalists. The family trio recorded the very impressive and aptly titled “Family Affair”. Released on Michael’s independent label, MJM Artist Records, it is co-produced by Michael and Reggie Washington except for one song, “Plans”, produced by the father and son Michael’s together. This historic 12-track album is a throwback to when talent reigned supreme with true singing, original melodies, live instrumentation…and surprises. Let’s take a closer look at some highlights from this family effort that, hopefully, will not be their last.

The opening track, “Don’t Forget 2 Say I Love U,” is a heartfelt one at that. It contains a mantra that should be carried out everyday by and to all those that mean the most to us in our everyday lives. The mid-tempo, gently swayed soundscape comes correct with exceptional acoustic guitar, fluid electric bass guitar lines, light drum programming and solid vocals – all elements that are truly missing from today’s R&B.

The album’s title track, “Family Affair”, is very unique in that it does not fall in line with the doldrums of today’s R&B scene …. and that’s a good thing. It incorporates an adult contemporary feel with once again gentle acoustic guitar, live drums, string synthesizer parts, and auto tuned background vocal fills.  Michael Jeffries’ lead vocal lines are sung with a tempered operatic flare that works extremely well with the bass background vocal parts.

One-time fellow Tower of Power lead vocalist Lenny Williams – the legendary R&B vocalist that preceded Michael in that classic soul band – duets with Michael on a track that has a slight gospel feel with southern soul overtones: the adventuresome “Rewrite”. The singers are joined by another T.O.P. alumnus, saxophonist Lenny Pickett, who delivers a scorching solo that adds emotional depth and character. Of course, the unprecedented vocal exchange between Michael and Lenny is one from which legends are made – with true integrity and honest musicianship. The live instrumentation is also precise and on-point.

Mike J delivers a warm, tender hearted lead vocal on the excellent “Mother’s Love”, dedicated to beloved matriarchs everywhere. If this song is serviced to Urban Adult Contemporary radio – if they’re smart – it will surely be played THIS Mother’s Day. The message is so universally appealing that ALL genres of radio stations – terrestrial or internet – couldn’t help but add it to their play list. The beautiful, sweeping chord progressions of the acoustic piano, the jazzy sounding fretless and standard bass guitar lines, the sweet acoustic guitar lines and the steady tempo of the live drums are all essential ingredients for a truly timeless song – and you’ll certainly find them here. But what REALLY stands out, front and center, in this song – besides Mike J’s lead vocal, to me at least – are the wonderfully arranged and performed background vocal parts. They’re professionally sung and harmonious, the way background vocals should be done. You can’t help but be moved by them.

“Journey on a Butterfly” clearly has ‘hit bound’ written all over it as its feel good melody and tempo will make you feel like you’re actually riding on a butterfly. The rhythm programmed track, as well as the bass guitar which is performed with sheer joy and delight, supplemented with light plucking on the acoustic guitar, is a foot motivator that will have you craving more at song’s end. The whispery background vocals – the ‘cherry on top of the sundae’ – as well as the not too extreme rap verse make this one of the many standouts.

The extremely youthful appeal of Anikol’s lead vocal on “You Got The Best” works well with the funky up-tempo track. Her performance and the timbre of her voice will conjure memories of Jane Eugene, lead vocalist of ’80s Brit Soul act Loose Ends. The sleekly executed keyboard parts with keyboard bass delivered lines, the programmed hand claps, the cool electric guitar chords and a rap thrown in by Mike J give the song an edgy street appeal that will have young people singing along.

Overall “Family Affair” is a well-above-average recording in today’s “cluttered and cookie-cuttered” R&B landscape. You’ll find absolutely NO negative, disrespectful lyrics or calling out of one’s name in this recording. It’s one to be listened to and appreciated for years to come. I strongly recommend this album if you’re tired of what’s being played on the radio. It has something for everyone and that something is valuable wholesome entertainment of integrity.

Happy Listening !

Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene

Michael Jeffries Daughter & Son Official Website : www.mjmartist.net

Facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php#!/MichaelJeffries

You can pick up a copy or download the full length album or select songs at Amazon.Com by clicking here!