Walter Beasley - Just Kickin' It (2008)

Commercially underappreciated, Walter Beasley presents an impressive mixture of R&B, funk, jazz and easy-listening grooves. The instrumental tracks include "Muriel's Lament" and "Mancy"; "Just Kickin' It," "Have You Seen My Girl" and "Good Love" are instrumentals save the vocal chorus. Anita Baker did her own version of the latter. The most popular track on this album is the apologetic "Don't Say Goodbye." Beasley gives a merciful plea with his unyielding vocals. However, it only managed to peak at #95 on Billboard R&B charts after a short life span of three weeks. Nonetheless, it has become a popular choice among the quiet storm formats. The title track, "Just Kickin' It," maneuvered its way to 67 after five weeks. Beasley, who recalls George Benson on some of his takes, has excellent vocal presentation, refraining from elision, which is so commonly found throughout the recording industry. ~ Craig Lytle