Eddie M. *

Personnel includes: Eddie M. (vocals, saxophone, string synthesizer); Karyn White, Jacinda M., Eric Benet (vocals); John Paris, Steve LaGassick,
Bobby G (various instruments); Steve Baxter (trombone); Satoru Shionoya
(piano); Tim Riley (Wurlitzer piano, string synthesizer); Jerry Harris, John Paris (keyboards); Michael Sims (acoustic & electric guitars); Jubu Smith (guitar); Raymond McKinley, Rhonda Smith, Tony Boyd (bass); Takashi Numazawa
(drums).
Producers include: Steve LeGassick, Michael Price, Bobby G, Eddie Minnifield,
Raymond McKinley.
Engineers include: Bobby G, Otto D' Agnolo, Frank Rinella.
Personnel: Eric Bent, Karyn White (vocals); Jubu Smith (guitar); Michael Sims (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Tim Riley (strings, Wurlitzer organ); Satoru Shionoya (grand piano); John Paris (keyboards, drum programming, background vocals); Steve LeGassick, Bill McKinley (keyboards, drum programming); Jerry Harris (keyboards); Takashi Numazawa (drums); Roy Campanella III (drum programming); Toni Peete, Robert Brookins, Angel Rogers, Rhonda Smith (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: David Rideau; Bill McKinley.
Recording information: Brill St. Chaton Studios, Phoenix; Canal City Grand Hyatt, Fukuoka, Japan; Dream Town Studios, LA; Entourage Studios, N.Hollywood; Fantasy, Berkeley, CA; Flashlight Studio, Tokyo, Japan; Studio L, Burbank, CA; The Burgundy Room, Sacramento; Westlake Audio, LA.
Photographer: James Minchin.
This debut effort of saxophonist, keyboardist, and vocalist Eddie M. spans the musical spectrum from ballads to pop to soul-jazz to funk and features 13 compositions co-written by the talented musician. This isn't your average funky, get down kind of record, but one that is filled with smooth, soulful, and sensuous performances that personify the musical personality of Eddie M. Joined by the soulful balladeer Eric Benet and R&B chanteuse Karyn White, Eddie M. realizes his determination to find his limits as a sideman and then exceeds them as a leader on such great songs as "Girl to a Woman" and on a great cover of Junior Walker's "What Does It Take." Eddie M. and Karyn White are in the pocket on this smooth jazz take of one of Motown's great classics. The sexy soul continues on "In My Dreams" and Eddie M.'s smooth vocals and sensuous saxophone riffs rise to another level on "Sailing." This song is one of those that just lingers long after the song is sung and Eddie M.'s rendition of its melody is one you can just sit back and enjoy. Eddie M. has set the stage for his musical visions and offers listeners 13 wonderful performances found inside the challenge of leadership. ~ Paula Edelstein