Songs For Lovers
Carol Duboc’s new release Songs For Lovers is just what it promises – a smooth collection of romantic tunes for couples. Ms. Duboc, while not a household name, has been around for a long time and has written songs for others musicians, including R&B artists Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills and Chanté Moore. On Songs For Lovers, her third album, Duboc wrote all the new material, and produced the album with her musical arranger Tom Carmon.
Ms. Duboc’s style is a mix of jazz and R&B, and her lyrics and songs are uplifting. The album is perfect mood music for a romantic evening, or just for relaxation. My Valentine, the first single is a nice opener. Other songs that standout on Songs For Lovers are Brownies and Wine, Around You, and Night Moods. The latter is my favorite song from this album, reminding me of Sade’s Smooth Operator days.
Two highlights on this album are instrumentals, with Duboc on the piano. Passion and A Longing are the shortest songs on the album, and serve almost as interludes to the other more upbeat songs.
Duboc does a great job covering two R&B classics, Marvin Gaye’s Sexual Healing and Roberta Flack’s Feel Like Making Love. She adds her special touch to these songs. Sexual Healing is a bit slower than Marvin’s and sung in a way that it could initially pass for another song. Duboc takes the sexy lyrics slowly, giving them the chance to be savored. Duboc’s version of Feel Like Making Love is more upbeat than the original, with a tinge of funk. While a fan of the original, this listener favors Duboc’s version a little more.
Songs For Lovers is a great collection for easy listening and for when you’ve got romance on your mind and want to set the perfect mood.
Carol is singing “Sunny” on the jukebox to the right.
Watch an interview with Duboc on Smooth Jazz TV here.
Visit her MySpace page and listen to songs from the new album and some of her previous work: http://www.myspace.com/carolduboc
Marvin Gaye: Sweet, Silky Soul
In honor of Marvin Gaye’s birthday today, I’ve compiled his best work from the early days, his duets, to Sexual Healing. So, let’ s get it on and take a look at his finest performances.
The first video is a performance not many people have seen: Marvin singing The Star Spangled Banner at the 1983 NBA All Star Game.
Here’s his biggest hit I Heard It Through the Grapevine, which held the top spot for seven weeks in 1968-69.
During his early days at Motown, Marvin Gaye teamed up with Tammi Terrell for three albums of duets. Here are some of their best tunes:
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Your Precious Love
Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing
Below, the very best of Marvin. Enjoy!
Got To Give It Up
Sexual Healing
Finally, Diana Ross’ tribute to Marvin: Missing You
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