Record company drama caused Ty Causey's debut album, N-Tysing, to die an unfortunately early demise. Fortunately, Causey didn't stay on the sidelines for long. In July of 2005 he released his sophomore disc, Love Notes, working with executive producer Bert Caldwell (of ispysoul.com). From the bluesy opening on the first song, "Life On Track," Causey makes it clear that he is not simply creating N-Tysing II, but is moving into a gutsier, more R&B-oriented sound that is as appealing as its predecessor but which stretches Causey more as a vocalist. While there are still plenty of smooth jazz touches (such as on "Visions of Love"), the album's more aggressive programming and the addition of W.R. Sanders' wha guitar give it an edgier feel that keeps it both interesting and mildly funky even though it is dominated by love songs. This is especially true on two great cuts toward the middle of the disc: the uptempo "Breathless" and the bluesy "Love's Messin' With Me."
Love Notes is worthwhile in its own right but is even more interesting to me because of the development Ty Causey shows as an artist. This is a solid soul album that deserves play on urban adult contemporary radio and should gain for Causey a following beyond smooth jazz circles.
By Chris Rizik
