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“Sky’s The Limit” by Fathers Children is a smooth and refreshing collection of R&B tunes. Reminiscent of what many would call ‘good old’ R&B, this CD exudes lyrical honesty and simplicity, exploring themes of passion and love. Furthermore, the use of beautiful pianos and guitars, mixed with a deficiency of electronic elements brings listeners back to the pure sounds of classic, soulful R&B. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of “Sky’s The Limit,” Fathers Children’s vocals are delivered with great mastery. His smooth and tranquil timbre radiates a heavy sense of passion and is accentuated by tight harmonies. The stand-out, especially groovy tracks include “We Got Love”, “Move On”, and “This is What We Do To Have Fun.”
- author: Xavier P. and RadioIndy
I was absolutely delighted to see a NEW release from this fantastic group on CD Baby. I still very much adore their seminal “Hollywood Dreaming” from their 1979 Mercury set that was produced by Wayne Henderson. Would they live up to their glorious past, I wondered. Oh yes, they do. Well, so long has elapsed so no real comparisons can be seriously made, but what I can say is this: vocally the guys are on top of their game and sound as good as ever, and musically we are talking quality contemporary independent SOUL.
For me, the midtempo tracks are the best. Skipping the opening song, which is ruined for me by rap, we launch into a SUPERB slap-bass filled groove called “Something I Wanna Say To You”. This is a real must-have cut and I have not stopped playing it since it dropped through the letterbox onto the doormat. Listening to this, I was not surprised to see that a certain Paul Minor was involved in the co-production side of things. Paul, as you know, has been associated with Al Johnson, C.J.’s Uptown Crew and The Unifics and his wonderful style is stamped all over this song. If you love C.J’s Uptown Crew’s “Style (I Like Yours Too)” from 1992 or Al Johnson’s “My Heart Is An Open Book” set from 1998 then this song is for definitely one for you!
The brilliant “We Got Love” equals this stunner. Don’t be fooled by the rather gentle, acoustic guitar and synth introduction. This really does tick all my boxes; it’s soulful, fresh, and addictive and is one of those songs will make you feel great inside. The downtempo material is also on a winning streak. “If I” is gentle and unassuming number; the tale of an enquiring lover who wants to know how much his woman will stand by him through hard times. The clattering thunderstorm and spoken word intro to “Key To My Heart” allows us access to a very sensitive, pleading ballad. You can literally feel the apprehension in the vocals, and the vulnerability makes it ever so more appealing. This is possibly my favourite downtempo cut. The bar is raised for the title track with its slap base and Isleys styled electric guitar. This could easily have been recorded in the early 80s. The whole album is generally pleasing. I think it’s wonderful to have these guys back and I hope we won’t have to wait nigh-on 30 years for a third album! ESSENTIAL.
Barry Towler
- Barry Towler, Soulchoonz
THIS CD IS SO DIVERSE, BEAUTIFUL BALLADS,LYRICS ARE SIC, VOCALS ARE SOME OF THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY, I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THE TALENT OF THIS GROUP, THERE'S NOT A LOT OUT THERE THESE DAYS, BUT THIS GROUP IS GREAT LISTNING. PEACE,STAN DURBIN HONESTMAN PRODUCTIONS INC. - Honestman Productions, Inc.
Discography
Something I Wanna Say to You, If I, Key to My Heart, all have radio airplay
Photos
Bio
Former Mercury Recording artists, Fathers Children hail from the metropolitan Washington DC area. The group’s musical philosophy is quite diverse. Their repertoire covers genres from R&B, Pop and Contemporary Jazz, to Funk and Light Rock. Known for strong vocals and tight harmonies, the group was, and is still celebrated for putting their unique stamp on any piece of music they do!
This CD, their second recording, features a mix of love songs, inspirational songs and a couple of funky upbeat tunes to satisfy the tastes of their diverse audience. As former Mercury Records recording artists, Fathers Children performed with artists like Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, Stephanie Mills, Frankie Beverly and Maze and many others. The group has reformed after a long hiatus of working with other musicians in the metropolitan Washington area. Audience response from a few reunion gigs about three years ago convinced them to make their return as Fathers Children permanent.
The group members are Tony Contee (guitar and vocals), Tom Crosson (Guitar), Art Mosley (Keyboards), Charles Robinson (drums), Qaadir Sumler (lead vocals and keyboards), Greg Ross (Bass and vocals), and Ted Carpenter (lead vocals and percussion). The group has been performing up and down the east coast for the past 2 years and is pleased to announce the arrival of their new CD titled “Sky’s The Limit.” You will no doubt agree that the music on the CD is quite diverse, with songs ranging from Funk with a little Hip Hop sprinkled in, to R&B ballads, to smooth jazz-like melodies. If you like songs with clear lyrical content and soothing melodies, this CD, Sky’s The Limit, is a great choice to add to your listening library.
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