Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist
Bobby Caldwell, one of those artists whose deep discography has been misunderstood (overshadowed by a major crossover hit), caught wind of producer
Jack Splash's admiration and desire to work with him. After the two were put in touch with one another, they got along well enough to cook up
Cool Uncle. Given
Splash's past work with scads of high-profile singers and rappers, it's not surprising that the album's most potent songs have a foundation in the smooth and dapper end of late-'70s/early-'80s R&B. Several cuts, with popping basslines, subtle electric piano patterns, and soaring choruses, will have fans of that era drawing comparisons to similarly breezy grooves by the likes of
the Gap Band,
Con Funk Shun,
Boz Scaggs, and
Stevie Wonder. Additionally, there are some sly acknowledgments and thematic continuations of
Caldwell's own output of the period.
Caldwell makes a much better match for that mode than he does the busier/flashier productions and drier adult contemporary ballads that weigh the lengthy album down a bit. The mix of guests, which includes
Deniece Williams,
CeeLo Green, and
Jessie Ware (who once covered
Caldwell), add to the album's cross-generational character. ~ Andy Kellman