After 1978's occasionally gorgeous Love Song and often sluggish
Love Affair, saxophonist
Gary Bartz linked with frequent session associates and production duo
James Mtume and
Reggie Lucas.
Mtume/
Lucas had transitioned away from soul-jazz to straight soul/R&B, with
Roberta Flack,
Phyllis Hyman, and
Stephanie Mills as some earlier beneficiaries. Add
Howard King (drums),
Hubert Eaves III (keyboards),
Tawatha Agee (vocals) -- this is an
Mtume-the-group album in all but name. Carrying much more rhythmic oomph than either 1978
Bartz date, the album's clear-cut highlight is "Keep Goin' On" (a
Tawatha showcase), but "Need Your Love" and "Music" (where you can hear
Eaves revving up for "D" Train) are also bound to move those who love all other late-'70s/'80s
Mtume and
Mtume/
Lucas-produced albums. ~ Andy Kellman