B.W.B. | Human Nature

B.W.B. | Human Nature
Heads Up International via Concord Music Group
Written by Brent Faulkner

What happens when three jazz heavyweights, loaded with credentials, recognitions, and upmost musicianship come together as ‘one’? The answer is B.W.B.! Rick Braun (trumpet and flugelhorn), Kirk Whalum (saxophone), and Norman Brown (guitar) reunite as a group after an
11-year hiatus. Assisted by a talented supporting cast in John Stoddard, Braylon Lacey, Khari Parker, Lenny Castro, and Ralph Lofton, B.W.B. don’t return with any original material. The talented collective goes ‘big’ covering the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Choosing personal favorites from Jackson’s collection including work with The Jackson 5 and The Jacksons, as well as solo efforts Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad, B.W.B. assemble a strong effort on Human Nature (via Heads Up International) preserving the legend and affirming the depth of
their own artistry.

Expectedly, material considered in itself, Human Nature never misses the mark. Each interpretation is easily worthy of multiple spins. Even so, there are some truly breathtaking triumphs. “Another Part of Me” seems an unexpected opener (Bad), but easily earns it spot upon listening. Retaining the funkiness of the original and adding some jazz flair and angularity, “Another Part of Me” feels as capable as MJ’s most renowned hits. Unsurprisingly, “Billie Jean” (Thriller) is a crowd pleaser, with each musician taking their respective turn covering the melody and infusing individuality. One of the effort’s most soulful showings arrives through one of the oldest tunes, Smokey Robinson’s “Who’s Loving You”, a classic courtesy of MJ’s Jackson 5 days. Extended from the four minutes original to lengthier six, B.W.B. transform the classic into a mean, blues-gospel affair. Characterized by rich horn harmonies, Lofton’s soul-wrenching organ, and Whalum’s ‘riled up’, gritty sax, “Who’s Loving You” just might be the effort’s very best.

Other cut stand tall additionally. Title track “Human Nature” is transformed into a lovely, smooth-jazz ballad, more restrained and slower than the original. Guest vocalist Sheléa delivers a compelling, pure vocal take on the classic. “I Can’t Help It” (originally from Off
the Wall) seems an obscurer choice on paper, but ends up lending itself perfectly to B.W.B.’s jazzy treatment. “I’ll Be There” features clean, clear production work, never sounding overdone or overcrowded. “Man in the Mirror”, one of Jackson’s true crown jewels (Bad) closes the effort
as exceptionally as it began. Once again Lofton’s organ adds a gospel touch, while clever quirks and harmonizations truly shape this cut. All three musicians take liberties, giving their own spirit to the reflective, meaningful cut. Other featured cuts include “She’s Out of My Life” (Off The Wall), “Beat It” (Thriller), “The Way You Make Me Feel” (Bad), as well as “Shake Your Body (Down To the Ground)” from The Jacksons.

Ultimately, B.W.B. managed to make eleven of Michael Jackson’s most memorable songs their own, resulting in a superb album. Making previously recorded material ‘original’ or cleverly interpretive own is an incredibly difficult task, particularly from a late icon. Musicians
the immense skill of Braun, Whalum, and Brown make the task seems effortless.

Brent Faulkner
The Urban Music Scene