Will Downing's 17th studio-album, 2014's
Euphoria, is an ambitious and uplifting mix of contemporary R&B and vocal jazz. An adept singer with a longstanding knack for delivering romantic, soulful, contemporary pop music,
Downing outdoes himself here. Once again working with keyboardists
Chris "Big Dog" Davis and
Mike Logan, and featuring special guests like saxophonists
Gerald Albright and
Najee, trombonist
Wycliffe Gordon, and the brass ensemble
Chops Horns,
Downing has crafted a gorgeous and sophisticated album that stands apart from works by his contemporaries. This is fluid, elegant music that strikes a balance between layered, standards-influenced vocal jazz and groove-oriented R&B.