20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection

by Will Downing

Overview

Twelve tracks just aren't enough for a definitive overview of Will Downing's long career, but his entry in the 20th Century Masters: Millennium Collection series makes for an affordable, right-sized introduction to the singer if you're wondering whether or not to explore this Luther Vandross-styled balladeer further. The song selection is well done and includes many great tracks -- the dreamy "Cool Water," his cover of "I Can't Make You Love Me" -- that don't appear on the slightly better, yet dauntingly bigger collection, Greatest Love Songs. Although it's an excellent, heartfelt performance, Downing's take on Angela Bofill's "I Try" is a little too heavy to open the collection when something lighter and welcoming like "Free" would have worked much better. On the other hand, Downing's show-stopping duet with Rachelle Ferrell on "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This" is a fantastic closer. Stick the epic opener later into the collection and you've got an excellent way to familiarize yourself with this smooth crooner. ~ David Jeffries

Product Details

Release Date:	06/06/2006
Label:	Ims
UPC:	0602498827758
Rank:	84997

Tracks

1. I Try
2. A Million Ways
3. Don't Talk to Me Like That
4. Wishing on a Star
5. Crazy Love
6. Cool Water
7. Free
8. Heart of Mine
9. Stop, Look, Listen to Your Heart
10. Everytime It Rains
11. I Can't Make You Love Me
12. Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Will Downing   Primary Artist,Vocals,Featured Artist
Gerald Levert   Primary Artist
Gerald Albright   Primary Artist,Guest Artist
Rachelle Ferrell   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guest Artist
Alex Foster   Soloist,Saxophone
Stefon Harris   Soloist,Vibraphone
Marva King   Vocals,Guest Artist

Technical Credits

Rachelle Ferrell   Arranger,Composer
Chris "Big Dog" Davis   Producer
Regis Branson   Composer,Producer
Rex Rideout   Composer,Producer,Executive Producer
Niles McKinney   Composer
Amy Linden   Liner Notes
Brenda Russell   Composer
Brian Jackson   Producer
Thom Bell   Composer
Harry Weinger   Compilation Producer
Angela Bofill   Composer
Barry J. Eastmond   Producer
Ellen Fitton   Digital Remastering
Vinx   Composer
Deniece Williams   Composer
Linda Creed   Composer
Mike Reid   Composer
Will Downing   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Nathan Watts   Composer
Jolyon Skinner   Composer
David Robin   Photography
Joe "Cornbread" Thomas   Composer
Joe Thomas   Composer,Composer
Phillip Temple   Composer,Executive Producer
Dwight Thompson   Composer
Donna Ranieri   Photo Research
Hank Redd   Composer
Shannon Steckloff   Production Coordination
Andre Allen   Composer
Ryan Null   Photo Coordination
Ashley Culp   Product Manager
Kwaku Alston   Photography
Mark Cawley   Composer
Marc Baptiste   Photography
Henry James Redd   Composer
Allen Shamblin   Composer
Audrey Wheeler   Composer
Susaye Greene   Composer
Billie Rae Calvin   Composer
Wayne Brathwaite   Producer
Ronnie Foster   Arranger,Producer