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Wayman Tisdale |
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Rebound |
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Rendezvous Entertainment |
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By REESE HARLAN
Published: June 18, 2008
While some multi-hyphenates’ ventures into music end in disaster (Kobe Bryant, Scarlett Johannsen, Jennifer Love Hewitt), former NBA star turned bass player Wayman Tisdale proves that it is possible to be a jack, and master, of several trades with Rebound.
With five Billboard Top Ten jazz albums to his credit, Wayman kicks off his latest disc effortlessly with a title track that will make listeners close their eyes in enjoyment, while his light complimentary vocals on the chorus of “In Love” only sweeten the deal. Also sure to stay in heavy rotation are “Watch Me Play Again” and “The Turnaround.” Both are amazing examples of contemporary jazz’s ability to transcend age limits. In the album closer, “Grateful,” the guitarist showcases his singing talent and gospel roots paying appropriate homage to The Man upstairs. Yet, one cut that falls short of total success is the Toby Keith collaboration and throwback remake “Never Gonna Give You Up.” One would expect the two to bring the same soulfulness of the 1973 Barry White classic, but instead the tune is a generic version with vocals that don’t match the depth of the original.
Don’t mistake this for glorified elevator music. Rebound’s solid instrumentals and cool mix of uptempo jams and slow grinds prove that its star is a true renaissance man.
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