Jackiem Joyner
Babysoul
(Artizen)
By A. Scott Galloway

Hey…if he’s good enough for Angela Bofill, he’s GOT to be decent enough for you. 26 year-old saxophonist and flautist Joyner makes good on the time he spent shedding with the likes of Marcus Johnson, Ronnie Laws and Bobby Lyle by making his debut as a leader with his self-produced CD, Babysoul. Of his rebirth, Joyner states, “I’m trying to communicate the soulful sound I have cultivated…delivering the message that I’m not only an emotionally strong player but also technically on par.” The album is awash in as much soul as Barry White-inspired smooth jazz allows (including a wicked instrumental cover of Floetry’s “Say Yes”), the welcome exceptions being the lovely Latin fantasy “Lola” (featuring sweet call and response between horn section and flute) and the back-to-back funk of the title track and “Just Groove.” If you dig Najee and Gerald Albright,this talented young Norfolk-native is right up your alley.