Lalah Hathaway-Where It All Begins(Stax/STX-3219702)
It’s not about just having the best album of the year. And logically what constitutes the best anyway? Is it about the chops? Or is it the delivery? Production value? Well Lalah Hathaway’s second Stax effort includes producers JR Hudson, Dre & Vidal with some sweet vocal sounds from Rachel Ferrell. Everything that makes Lalah one of the premier vocalists of her time is in place. Where It All Begins marks the singer’s genesis and genius. The remake of “I’m Coming Back” pairs Lalah with Ferrell for a soul inspiring foray into jazz, R&B and beyond but there is also electricity and power with “Strong Woman” and her father Donny’s “You Were Meant For Me.”
Lalah understands her material and musically connects to it. Reflecting back on the past year and projecting ahead to the new year Lalah Hathaway continues to embrace the zeitgeist of the present with her timeless sound. If her new CD doesn’t live up to everyone’s expectations of what the best is rest assured that this is the best bet I’ve heard thus far that music evolves from within. Experience the joyousness of an artist who gives us her best every time!