Jody Watley | Affection
Jody Watley | Affection
(Avitone – 1995)
by Randy Holmes
Ever since her self-titled platinum-plus-selling solo debut on MCA Records in 1987, her “Best New Artist” Grammy Award, and countless other awards and accolades she’s attained, Miss Jody Watley has taken TOTAL control of her recording career and likeness. In 1995, she released a CD that I feel is her best project to date: the superior and appropriately titled "Affection.” Released on her own independent record company, Avitone Records, which is still going strong in 2011, it is a collection of some of the FINEST and WELL PRODUCED R&B this writer has encountered in some time ..... and I'm 16 years late in discovering this priceless gem ! Shame on me ! But as they say, it's never too late to come on board and redeem oneself, particularly when it comes to a Jody Watley recording. I say this because ALL her recordings are timeless and will withstand the test of time. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you purchase this CD. As usual, I will point you in the right direction as to where you can get a copy. This record is ALL killer and NO filler ! You're gonna love it !!! I PROMISE YOU !!
The “Affection” set - Executive Produced by Jody Watley – was also largely produced by Ms. Watley with talented multi-instrumentalist Derrick Edmondson. There are extremely talented musicians featured on this recording as well. They include Jody's longtime musical director Rodney Lee (the gifted keyboardist/programmer/composer, and co-composer of two songs here), background vocalist Yvette Cason, another talented multi-instrumentalist/writer/producer Keith Crouch, guitarist/keyboardist Glenn McKinney, drummer Brannen Temple, bassist Stan Sargeant, violinist Lili Haydn, guitarists Tori Ruffin, Dwight Sills, Angelo Earl and Morris O'Conner, in addition to accordian player David Jackson.
The 10 songs run the gamut from New Jack Swing, Smooth R&B, Straight Ahead Jazz, Ballads, and just all-around feel good music, with uplifting messages. Let's take a closer look at "Affection.” Hopefully the music will affect you in a positive way as this project was so undeservedly overlooked in 1995.
"The Beat Don't Stop" is an up-tempo New Jack Swing/Funk number that incorporates the jazzy wah-wah tones of the electric guitar, string synths, and a pulsating bass synth/electric bass guitar combination that'll put you in a great frame of mind. Jody sings in her lower register that drives home the positive and uplifting message she's conveying here. The lyrics instruct one to get up, brush yourself off and keep it moving, particularly after one of life's many curve balls was thrown at you. A killer synthesizer solo is thrown in the bridge that is very reminiscent of a Mini-Moog solo in the style of Larry Dunn of Earth Wind & Fire - short but sweet ! This song is an excellent start to an even greater album !
The album’s title track, "Affection", is one funkiest songs she's ever recorded, if not THE funkiest ever ! It starts off with Jody excitingly leaving a voicemail message on Derrick Edmondon's answering service telling him an idea for a song and what direction she'd like him to take it. I must say, he followed those instructions to a tee ! A heavy, deep monotone bass program, a hard hit snare that's dead in your face, and some James Brown inspired guitar licks are the centerpieces here. Jody's effortless lead and background vocals are even sexier than the lady herself. Though some of the lyrics are tongue in cheek, the overall message is about the love and affection we all could use in our lives.
"Pride and Joy" is another funk-upped and Hip Hop-infused tune of scratching turntable effects and Flavor Flav-esque samples that is easily enjoyable to listen to. The guitar licks are as tasty as they are funky, the bass synth kicks, and the drums on the one. This song definitely slams. As usual, Jody sings with the harmony, poise and grace she's known to give to her fans. The Fender Rhodes adds a nice touch to the already danceable track that'll keep those feet in motion, as does a groovy soprano saxophone solo. Once again, and not surprisingly, Jody's vocal performance is melodically succinct and clear as she sings of love, trust and admiration for that blessed man in her life.
We take it down a bit with the beautiful and heartlfelt "Stay," clearly one of the best songs on the disc. What I like about this song is that it's not overproduced, melodramatic or full of unnecessary studio processed vocal effects. It's just right for the night. It's very organic nature and near stripped down approach is what makes this a song a classic in Jody's already impressive song book . Number one, it incorporates a gorgeous melody that's easily identifiable. And two, the lyrics and how they are sung will make you feel as if she's singing directly to you. The smooth George Benson like guitar fills beckon for the lights to be dimmed and candles lit. Ms. Watley's vocal delivery is as soft as a kitten's purr and will just make you melt. I can't see her doing any shows without singing this song. If she doesn't, well, she'll have to suffer the consequences in that there will be protests afterwards. But as we all know, Jody's much smarter than that and hopefully it will become a permanent fixture in her song list.
Another song that is an absolute "must perform" at her shows is the perfect lovers lament, yet done in a head bopping manner, "I Care For You". The stepped up Fender Rhodes, the bumping bass synthesizer, keyboard fills, and heavenly sounding lead and background vocals of Jody, should be added to radio station playlists worldwide ..... even if it is 16 years later. It doesn't matter ! A great song is a great song. What I like the most about this track is the way Ms. Watley sings her background vocal parts in different registers - high, mid and low. Only a true professional can pull that off and make it sound on key. She does this like it's so easy to do when actually it's not. One must have a sharp ear and keen senses of pitch and timing to pull it off. Jody possesses all those qualities like the true professional she is. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE'S DOING !
Ladies and gentlemen, in addition to her highly successful modeling career, triumphant Broadway appearance in “Grease,” as well as producing and starring in an extremely successful fitness video, Jody was among the first African-American women to form her own record company .... I take that back, she was among the first women, period, to form their own independent record company. But what impresses me the most about her, far and foremost, is her business acumen. For that, I have nothing but the utmost respect for her ! ...... And check this out ..... She hasn't even scratched the surface of what she's truly capable of doing in business, music and, hopefully, film as she and the camera are DEFINITELY made for each other. I look forward with great anticipation to see and hear what she'll do next. And you can best believe I'll be spreading her gospel all over the journalistic world.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
You can purchase "Affection" at Amazon.Com : www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=Jody+Watley+Affection&x=9&y=16
Please Visit Jody's Various Websites :
Official Website : www.jodywatley.net
Facebook {Make sure you're logged on first} : www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Jody-Watley/9432193841
MySpace: www.myspace.com/jodywatley
ReverbNation : www.reverbnation.com/#!/jodywatley
Personal Blog : www.jodywatleyblog.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jodywatley
YouTube Page : www.youtube.com/jwatley1
Posted by Administration at 4/25/2011 7:39 AM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, Perspectives, New School Soul
Tags: 90s Music Music Videos
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, Perspectives, New School Soul
Tags: 90s Music Music Videos
I found this gem when it was released. "The Way Pt & Pt" is my vote for best track. TLC followed this style for future hits. The sax solo fused with the harmony laced with that funky groove. You must listen to this track.
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