Great idea--that is, to make modern African music utilizing the talents of African Americans--but the music is not. It is very corny! This is CD 101.9, Kenny G. type fare that is not only beneath contempt, but actually beneath the talents of all who are on the project, particularly the divine Chaka Khan. In all fairness, if you like Kenny G., then you will love this! If your idea of a Jazz saxophonist is, say, Pharaoh Saunders, then you may be annoyed. This sounds like what happens when an "artist" can't take criticism or, when said artist surrounds him or herself with those who have the same sensibilities. If you want modern African music and a deep respect for the art forms of Jazz and the mighty Blues, please get ye to the offerings of Cassandra Wilson and buy her CDs so that the Essence Lady of Soul Awards has less reason to give their honors to copiers and culture bandits like Diana Krall.

A great example of the fusion of African and African America musical forms would be "The places you find love," sung by the soulfully raspy Seidah Garrett on Quincy Jones' Jazz honorific "Back on the Block" (1989). Between this track and the next there is a clip of Dizzy Gillespie explaining that Charlie Parker played (Jazz) music the way it should sound.

Please listen to the samples of this product and then forget it. Maybe it will go away.

Forget what the first reviewer said, the CD is AWESOME in every way. From start to finish Ms. VARDEY is JAZZ-AFRICAN-FUZION at its best! Not to mention the 2 tracks with CHAKA on lead vocals.(OUTSTANDING) The whole cd is AWESOME!