This recording is a gathering of dynamic musicianship and melodic themes, mixed with hip chords, traditional overtones that offers a tonic of timeless jazz compositions. Mike Carson has put together a tight collaboration with Nichelle Colvin on vocals, to perform some of the most clever original songs for his debut album Signature.
These songs, produced by Da Wonda Twinz, grab the immediate attention of he listener and provide a montage of wonderful arrangements, improvisation and gritty urban funk. Mike is a connoisseur of this music and has studied the history of its birth, rise and interpretation for four decades. This wealth of experience and immersion in the genre provides him with the tools he needs to deliver the warmth and dexterity he offers on the album Signature.
The albums highlight for me is the opening of the remake to Chaka Khan's “Everlasting Love", it starts and ends with an eclectic montage of traditional jazz spurts of songs like “The Look of Love" , “Lover" and “All is fair in Love" ending with an arrangement of jazz riffs that make for a very unique introduction to a wonderful composition.
“Everlasting Love -Remake" was produced by Gary native James “The Chameleon" White III, who is a great talent that has worked with producer Mickey Mixin Oliver. James production on “Everlasting Love" for the album, “Signature", is a great introduction to Mike Carson's versatility and appeal to mainstream, with the rhythm section and vocalist employing a certain amount of artistic freedom with a funky bass predominant throughout. “Signature", the title track, was produced by Da Wonda Twinz, an up and coming Duo of Ohio natives that definitely have captured the essence of Mike Carson as a jazz artist.
Da Wonda Twinz produced 7 of the 12 songs on this album and each song is as smooth as silk. On the composition “Signature “, Mike has the warm and mature delivery of Booney James. The composition “Get some me Time" , is absolutely an unwind after work song that is sure to capture the ears of all working Audiences. On the track"King Drive", Da Wonda Twinz produce a feel of the style of Paul Hardcastle and is wonderful listening experience.
In this composition Mike Carson give a smooth tribute to the Street, Martin Luther King Drive and takes his audience on a smooth ride. “Rocks Cry Out" , also produced by Da Wonda Twinz, is a spiritual offering and gives us a great moment of reflection. Mike Carson would go in the category of sounds like, Boney James, Eugue Groove and David Sanborn.
Signature is an album of true class and panache, other highlights include “Attitude", and “Where's the after set" both produced by Da Wonda Twinz. Mike Carson's articulations and rhythms re-iterates the seasoned artistry of this performer. This album is a must have.
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