(January 20, 2023) Will Downing’s bona fides as a first-rate renderer of the romantic ballad are well established. They don’t call him the Prince of Sophisticated Soul for nothing. Whether Downing is reinterpreting a classic or using his seductive baritone sing one of his originals, his music is a ready-made soundtrack for romance.
Singer and trumpeter Johnny Britt is a very underrated balladeer. But he’s in the line of trumpet players who possess a silky-smooth tenor that can add a touch of sensual vulnerability to any song that they sing, particularly when they deploy the Harmon mute when playing that horn. Fans of Britt’s work with Imprompt2, as well as his solo work, are aware of Britt’s skills.
Britt and Downing merge their talents on the new single “Butterflies.” “Butterflies” finds Britt and Downing singing about the lingering tingling in the stomach and lightheadedness caused by the presence and memory of a special lady. The tune sports a minimalist but jazzy vibe that gives both vocalist ample space to showcase the skillful and distinct way that they approach the same topic, That arrangement also serves as the perfect platform for Britt to engage in some creativity on the trumpet. “Butterflies” is a jam that merges smooth R&B and jazz in the best Quiet Storm tradition. Check it out here.
By Howard Dukes
Johnny Britt feat. Will Downing
“Butterflies”
