Groove Ltd. (feat. U-Nam & Shannon Kennedy) - First Class (2015)

When two musical elemental forces come together, something extraordinary is created. Guitarist U-NAM is known by his solo projects The Past Builds The Future (2005), Back From the 80's (2007), Unanimity (2009), Weekend in L.A. (A Tribute To George Benson) (2012) and C'est Le Funk (2014). Saxophonist Shannon Kennedy received attention with Angel Eyes (2005) and in 2007 with Steppin Up and Never My Love. Now both reveal their collective debut under the group name Groove LTD. releasing the album First Class. The duo is joined by keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen, vocalist Maysa Leak, percussionist Paulinho DaCosta, drummer Michael White, bassist Dwayne Smitty Smith , Neo-Soul singer Myron Davis, steel drums master Andy Narell, as well as many more. Groove LTD. opens the album with First Class and covers its name with glory. The song shimmers in Benson like guitar style with Shannon's extra sax appeal fully equipped with a string orchestra. Uprising turns up the volume with a disco beat with Shannon completely unleashed and an exceptionally disposed Jonathan Fritzen on piano. It's Only Love was originally performed by Barry White on the album The Man (1978), later covered by Simply Red. The rendition of Groove LTD. shows Shannon in a double feature as splendid vocalist and saxophonist. It's the first single and music video of the album. Pheromones is the special smell spreading attractiveness. The couple delivers the musical equivalent on their instruments. On Coastline U-NAM and Shannon excel with an accessible ebb and flow that increase during the song. Lovedrive approach with a mellow and infectious melody line offering a consistent attitude of dramatic and empathic ardor. It's Alright Now is obviously inspired by Imagination's Just An Illusion. However soul queen Maysa finds with her very own scat singing and Andy Narell on steel drums the personal twist. Summer Nights has all ingredients for a successful smooth jazz breeze with the famous instinct for the perfect melody line. Music lovers will be fascinated by how casually Shannon weaves famous sequences in her presentation. U-NAM's Benson-like Ibanez riffs are salt and pepper to the groove. Teardrops from Womack & Womack's fourth studio album Conscience is experiencing a second youth. While Shannon stays truthfully to the melody, U-NAM takes the liberty for a solo excursion. You've Got It All featuring singer Myron Davis walks into the R&B realm with greetings to the 80's. The album is rounded up with radio edited versions of Uprising, First Class and It's Alright Now. Since April 22, 2012 U-NAM and Shannon Kennedy are married. First Class is their legitimate musical child full of vitality and delight in playing. It seems however, the album takes right after the father, he has written most of the songs and produced, recorded, mixed and arranged the album.