Glenn Jones. That was the first thought that crossed my mind when I heard Jeff Ramsey hit one of his soaring high notes on "Give It My Best," the inspirational first track on Ramsey’s My Best. Comparing artists is a mental reflex that performers like Ramsey probably wish that music fans could unlearn. Everybody wants to be listened to and judged on their own terms. Still, Ramsey could do worse than be compared favorably to Jones. Besides, Ramsey also knows that with serious music fans, the judging will come soon enough — and the Berklee College of Music graduate and professor of voice more than measures up on this very good CD. Fans of adult soul and R&B will find a lot to like about the aptly titled My Best. The record has a powerful and soulful ballad in "What Would You Do," midtempo songs that sport great conversational lyrics, head nodding melodies and memorable hooks such as "Move On" and "I Know that You Want Me 2," and funky dance numbers like "Anything" and "Speechless." My Best is one the grown and sexy crowd can throw on when they want to play something other than holiday music.
Memorable tracks: Just Let Me Love U, What Would You Do, Happy On Hold, I Want U More
Vocals: 3.0 stars
Lyrics: 3.0 stars
Music: 3.0 stars
Production: 3.0 stars
Soultracks Call: Recommended
By Howard Dukes
