Won't You Let Me Love You

Album review

Walter Beasley, the highly successful composer, saxophonist, and Berklee College of Music professor prepares you to fall in love all over again to smooth jazz favorites from his highly anticipated CD, Won't You Let Me Love You. This sensuous follow-up to Beasley's 1998 release, For Your Pleasure, is a combination of romantic ballads and original smooth jazz compositions that solidifies Beasley's place among the reigning smooth sax kings. This personal triumph for Beasley provides the listener with ten great mood-setting songs and includes covers ranging from Joe's urban hit "I Wanna Know" to Stevie Wonder's "Vision" and the Stylistics' "Side Show." Beasley voices his indelible signature on five original compositions and treats listeners to his splendid lead and background vocals on the title track. The opening track "Babygirl" is a funky, upbeat groove with lots of sexy, sultry sax lines that invite the listener to revel in the smooth tones that Beasley is giving off. "Sleep Tight," which features the great guitar stylings of Chuck Loeb, is highly enjoyable. Walter Beasley's sensitive and soulful delivery clearly elevates this CD to an extremely significant collection of creative concepts polished by his technical brilliance.
© Paula Edelstein /TiVo