A Formula That Works
John L. Hughes, Jr. | Nashville, TN | 10/25/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Mizell brothers (Larry and Fonce) have their formula down pat. Take mellow, superfly-like grooves, add cheesy arp string ensemble riffs, passive male background vocals that make the Blackbyrds sound like the O'Jays, and a lead horn or woodwind instrument. The end result is music that could easily fit into any 1970's blaxploitation flick. These brothers have applied their production formula on bestselling jazz-fusion albums by trumpeter Donald Byrd, saxophonist Gary Bartz and of course flute player Bobbi Humphrey.
FANCY DANCER is the third Bobbi Humphrey album produced by the Mizells and her last recorded during her classic Blue Note period. Her playing is pleasant, but as ususal, the backing grooves take center stage. If you're a fan of mellow 70's soul-jazz, this release does not disappoint."