“Star Power”, the latest project from Norman Connors is a must have. It’s Jazz.. It’s R&B.. It’s funky, yet it’s smooth. As my longtime friend likes to say, “It’s the best of all possible worlds!”
On “Star Power”, Mr. Connors assembles a talented cast of veterans and newcomers, which leads to an enjoyable array of collaborations. The CD starts up with the jumpin’ beats of “Used To Be”, featuring Christopher Williams on vocals and Bobby Lyle on keyboards. Smooth crooner Howard Hewitt teams up with Antoinette on the lovely slow jam “Where Do We Go From Here”. Antoinette is also featured on Sade’s classic “The Sweetest Taboo and the Bacharach/David hit “Walk on By.” You’ll also enjoy the soothing vocals of Danny Boy on “You Take My Breath Away”, and the emotional performance of “I Waited All My Life For You”, by Ms. Juanita Daley. Just when you think you heard it all, Peabo Bryson emerges with his fine rendition of the classic “You Are My Starship”.
As always, Norman has some tracks for the jazz lover in you. The title track “Star Power”, lead by Kirk Wilson on keyboards, and “Shades Of Brown” featuring Norman & Michael Brown, along with “Stormin’ Norman” showcases the essence of the Starship Orchestra instrumental sound. . Paul Jackson Jr. is also featured.
Born in the City of Brotherly Love, Norman Connors has the luxury of being immersed in the City’s rich jazz and R&B tradition.
Norman Connors illustrious resume includes work with saxophonists Pharoah Sanders, Jackie McLean, Archie Shepp and Sam Rivers and organist Jack McDuff along with a list of other jazz luminaries. He has also produced for everyone from Angela Bofill, Phyllis Hyman, Peabo Byrson and Howard Hewitt to Lonnie Liston Smith and Bobby Lyle. Connors signed with Buddah’s Cobblestone record label in 1972 and recorded a string of critically acclaimed albums that reached multi-platinum selling status. Among Connors recordings during this period are Dance of Magic, which featured the all-star lineup of Herbie Hancock (who appears on Norman’s first five albums), Stanley Clarke, Ron Carter, Hubert Laws, Gary Bartz, Carlos Garnett and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Connors also made the recordings Dark of Light, Love from the Sun, Slewfoot and Saturday Night Special, featuring the number 10 soul hit “Valentine Love.” In 1976 Connors struck gold with the hit “You Are My Starship,” from the album of the same title, which also included the chart-topping Thom Bell and Linda Creed classic “Betcha By Golly Wow” featuring Phyllis Hyman. In the late 70s Connors was courted by Clive Davis who signed him to Arista Records. His debut for the label, This Is Your Life made a splash with the title track. He recorded four albums for Aritsta before signing with Capitol in the late 80s and then Motown’s jazz label, Mojazz, in the 90s.
Norman Connors is still shooting for the stars and his musical universe just gets better and better with each passing year. Star Power affirms Norman Connors presence as an incredible musical force who knows how to make music for the heart, mind and soul.
“This record feels so good,” exclaims Norman. “All of these guys who join me on the album are my boys. We have experienced a lot together both personally and musically.
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