So Strong

by Jonathan Butler

Overview

Vocalist/guitarist Jonathan Butler has been fairly consistent in his quest to be the next George Benson, as his recordings could all be easily mistaken for the classic pop/jazz album Breezin'. So Strong follows those same non-discretionary lines, as Butler makes no bones about playing the exact same style of tunes that Benson popularized in the mid-'70s, establishing the so-called smooth jazz format. You hear relatively similar light funk beats, spare guitar chords, or easygoing, simple lines, and the kind of underdeveloped, lazy affectations that are formulaic to this production model, cookie-cutter music. As Butler plays this genre of singer/songwriter pop, he sounds well, creeping closer vocally to Stevie Wonder, his fans should be pleased at the end result. In the pocket and on the make, songs like the title track and "Feels so Good," are purpose-built to slink and seduce one into a late-night lull, while moaning ballads and cooing come-ons dot the surface of these marginal compositions. Butler does hearken back to his South African heritage with ringing chords and a horn complement (Rick Braun and Dave Koz) during "Make Room for Me," and does a quite credible version of the 1972 Johnny Nash hit "I Can See Clearly Now." There's nothing outstanding or all that different to suggest Butler has an interest in establishing his own identity past commercial considerations. Perhaps someday he'll do the pure highlife, kwela, or township jazz album that is within his native soul. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Product Details

Release Date:	05/11/2010
Label:	Rendezvous Entertainment
UPC:	0881284514328

Tracks

1. So Strong
2. You Got to Believe in Something
3. Make Room for Me
4. Factual
5. Feels so Good
6. Be Here with You
7. Avia/For My Baby
8. I'm Right Here
9. Color Green
10. Good Times
11. I Can See Clearly Now
12. I Pay Respect
13. So Strong [Steppers Mix]
14. So Strong [Urban AC Mix]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jonathan Butler   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Angie Stone   Primary Artist,Vocals
Kurt Lykes   Vocals (Background)
Cammie Knight   Vocals (Background)
Jodie Butler   Vocals (Background)
Shanika Leeks   Vocals (Background)
Demeka Jackson   Vocals (Background)
Rick Braun   Horn,Trumpet
Michael Lington   Saxophone
Kenneth Knight   Organ
Keith Allen   Vocals (Background)
Randy Butler   Vocals (Background)
Dave Koz   Saxophone
Nita Hutton   Vocals (Background)
Andrea Jones   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Kevin "Da'ranged" Jenkins   Programming,Producer
Gretchen Valade   Executive Producer
Steve Hall   Mastering
John Varvatos   Clothing/Wardrobe
Tate Wittenberg   Assistant
Denny Stilwell   Executive Producer
Paul Klingberg   Mixing,Engineer
Kurt Lykes   Composer
Jodie Butler   Make-Up,Stylist
Erik Reichers   Producer,Remixing
Jonathan Butler   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Tracking,Instrumentation
Johnny Nash   Composer
Al Pryor   A&R
Raj Naik   Design,Photography,Art Direction
Inbal Neer   Make-Up,Stylist
Booker T. Jones III   Mixing,Producer
John Peace   Assistant
Randall Kennedy   Creative Director
Maria Ehrenreich   Producer