Michael Lington - A Song For You (2006)

Altoist Michael Lington interprets pop and R&B songs from the past 30 years on A Song for You. While Grover Washington, Jr. was quite capable of infusing similar music with soul, some improvising, and lots of bluesy riffs, Lington seems reluctant to do anything but meekly state the melodies. One wishes that this was David Sanborn's CD instead, for Lington's playing lacks soul, originality, or any real purpose, just playing it straight throughout the dull program. Guest Dave Koz adds a little bit of badly needed fire on "Tell Me All About It," but it is far from enough to make this pointless set memorable. Why record hits in versions that are far inferior to the originals? ~ Scott Yanow