Jessy J's fifth studio album, 2013's
Second Chances, features more of the saxophonist/vocalist's contemporary R&B- and Latin pop-influenced smooth jazz. Moving from
Heads Up to the
Shanachie label,
J -- who also co-produced and arranged many of the tracks on
Second Chances -- focuses primarily this time out on her own original compositions. She does, however, turn in a funky cover of Brazilian icon
Carlinhos Brown's "Magalenha," as well as soul legend
Roberta Flack and
Eugene McDaniels' "Feel Like Makin' Love," on which
J showcases her breathy, romantic vocal chops. With her warm saxophone sound, lithe improvisational ability, and cross-genre approach, it's no wonder that
J is a rising star on the international music scene appealing to both smooth jazz and Latin audiences. And while the spotlight shines the brightest on
J on
Second Chances, she has garnered a high-enough profile to draw some top-notch guest artists to appear on her albums. Last time, on 2011's
Hot Sauce,
J brought in jazz-funk titan
Joe Sample and singer
Ray Parker, Jr. On
Second Chances,
J is also joined by a handful stellar guest artists including keyboardist
Jeff Lorber who joins her on several cuts that he also co-produced. Also adding his tasty stylings to the album is guitarist
Norman Brown, who appears on the title track. Similarly, bassist
Jimmy Haslip and keyboardist/vocalist
Johnny Britt (who also co-wrote the title track with
J) bring a positive energy to the proceedings. One couldn't hope for a better showcase for
Jessy J's talent and
Second Chances makes a great first impression. ~ Matt Collar
