Feelin' Sexy

Album review

Saxophonist Kim Waters once again leads his smooth jazz ensemble Streetwize through a selection of contemporary R&B hits on 2012's Feelin' Sexy. Having previously covered the likes of Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Missy Elliot, and Gerald Levert, Waters has built a niche around interpreting these modern-day R&B standards and urban pop hits into relaxing, sexy background jams. While Waters' supple and passionate saxophone is the main focus on these productions, he is nicely framed by keyboards, soulful guitar lines, and even some backing vocals on several of the choruses. Here we get reworkings of songs by Robin Thicke, R. Kelly, John Legend, and more. A fan of both new- and old-school R&B, Waters usually includes one or two classic songs and here we get Atlantic Starr's "Send for Me." Interestingly, Waters doesn't just stick to the biggest artists either, instead adding a few lesser-appreciated ones like Anthony Hamilton and Frank Ocean to the mix.
© Matt Collar /TiVo