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Byline: Jonathan Takiff
Fresh talents like Brazilian Girls, Eisley and Blue Merle jump out of February's new CD release pile, though seasoned vets like Joe Cocker, Tommy Castro and Vanessa Williams also have worthy wares to share.
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Feb 1
CLASSIC TOUCH: On ``A Kiss in the Sand" (Kitchen), veteran singer/songwriter Leon Ware reinvigorates the classic, "quiet storm" genre with a cross-circuited, soul/samba blend he dubs "R&Bossa," applied to 14 fresh songs in sensual and spiritual veins. The legendary Mr. Ware has written hits for Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Maxwell and has been sampled often by the likes of Prince, Tupac and G-Unit. Grade: B+
Do you miss America's lush pop balladry of the '60s and '70s? Vanessa Williams can take you there with "Everlasting Love" (Lava), breathing new life into gems like Melissa Manchester's "Midnight Blue" and Roberta Flack's big hit "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." George Benson helps out on "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "With You I'm Born Again." B+
Johnny Mathis serves up "Isn't It Romantic: The Standards Album" (Columbia/Legacy), featuring new recordings and a previously unreleased duet with Ray Charles. B