Keep on Lovin'

embraces fusion for , forsaking his signature Hammond B-3 for the Fender Rhodes. Although the record veers close to mainstream R&B by virtually any metric, drawing obvious inspiration from classics like , it's a natural progression for and a solid addition to his discography. Paired with arranger (of jazz-funk cult icons ), even assumes vocal chores on a handful of tracks, furthering the comparisons. Purists will no doubt cry foul, but in truth the record's electric sheen isn't so far removed from his heyday, and the energy and creativity of his playing demand respect regardless of context. ~ Jason Ankeny