Search - Will Downing :: Soul Symphony

Sweet Sounds of Soul Symphony!

Charles L. Hubbert | Milwaukee, WI | 11/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Soul Symphony is Will Downing's TWELVE album! Did you read that correctly, people? Album Number 12! Will Downing came out 17 years ago when he released his debut self-titled album in 1988 under the 4th & Broadway record label, the same people that put out Paid In Full for Eric B and Rakim! Usually when people talk about a long-standing career, they are talking about a dozen or so albums over 20 or 30 or even 40 years. This man is cranking out albums like there is no tomorrow. And if you're already familiar with his music, then you know that his crooning has for the most part remained consistent since day one. So with Soul Symphony, Will Downing is pretty much continuing to please his faithful followers and entice new listeners to become fans.



One of my favorite songs of all time is his duet with Rachelle Ferrell entitled "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This" from his Love's The Place To Be album in 1993. I've been a fan ever since seeing that live-in-concert video on BET that day (that was the first year I ever had cable!) More than a decade later, and I'm still amazed at the vocals and the lyrics that Will Downing has always had in his repertoire. He's often slumped into the Smooth Jazz category, but Will Downing can easily be enjoyed by R&B lovers as well. "Put Me On" is sort of like a stepper's song only without the illustrious R. Kelly at the helm. Another song entitled "Soul Steppin" is obviously geared towards the stepping crowd as well as "Will Still Loves You." But Will Downing slows it down with songs like the groovy "What's It Gonna Be," the seductive "Make Time For Love," and "Crazy Love." But his most noticeable album tracks tend to be cover songs, and he does his own rendition of the classic "Superstar" that another crooner named Luther Vandross made a great remake of.



His other two songs on the album are traditional Will Downing songs, namely "A Promise" and "Heart Of Mine." There's not a lot of bad things to say about Will Downing...and why would you? The man has put in his time and done what he's needed to do to stay in the music business for so long. Sure he doesn't go Gold or Platinum like other fly-by-night artists, but in the end Will outshines them all when it comes to worthiness and having a long-standing career. I've had the pleasure of seeing him in concert a few years ago, sharing the stage with Phil Perry, Chante Moore, and Gerald Albright. It was easily one of the most delightful concerts that I got to share with the woman who would ultimately become my wife. And sitting in the front row to see her favorite singer Chante Moore perform and one of my favorite singers made it all worth it. Hopefully Will Downing will support Soul Symphony with a tour and you'll be able to witness it all for yourself.

"

Nothing short of Amazing!!

ElleB* | New York, NY | 10/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say about the undeniable talent of this master-crooner Mr. Downing? "Soul Symphony" is one of those records that you out on while you are driving home at night from a stressful day at work, soaking in a nice candle-lit bath, or having a nice quiet romantic evening with that special someone. The man makes your heart melt, and your lips curve up into a smile as you listen to these grooves. I love the Luther remake, as he is called "the poorman's Luther", but let me tell you he shines. Buy this album! Will is such an underrated artist. Though I havent been into him for the last 12 albums as may of you who review him have, I certainly appreciate good music. In fact, I got into him from the Emotions album when I heard, "A Million Ways" one night listening to the Quiet Storm and jumped up from my bed, and said aloud, "Who is that?!" Mr. Downing has captured my heart...



I would give this album 10 Stars if I could."

Never disappoints @}->---

Little Miss Cutey | Melbourne, Australia | 10/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love this guy. His voice is amazing and makes you weak at the knees. He keeps getting better and this is his 12 cd so imagine how good he's always been and now that he's here, it's that much better again. I love Soul Steppin and Superstar. He's obviously singing about himself, because in my mind he is a superstar. If you love sexy, romantic, bedroom music, then this is for you. What a voice."