Radio Music Society

's fourth album, (a companion piece to in name only) is one of enormous ambition -- polished production, sophisticated, busy charts, and classy songwriting -- that consciously juxtaposes neo-soul and adult-oriented jazz-tinged pop. It employs a stellar cast, largely of jazz musicians, to pull it off. She produced the set, with help from on a couple of numbers, and wrote all but two songs here: a cover of "I Can't Help It" (a cover written by ) and 's "Endangered Species." There are truckloads of players, including three different all-star drummers in , , and , saxophonist , and guitarists and on "Black Gold" (which also contains his vocals and an appearance by ). Though Ms. takes most lead vocals, there are also duet appearances from . Backing vocalists include (who also anchors a chorus on several tunes) and . The horn section appears on three cuts. The highlights here include "Crowned & Kissed" (a co-production) with its rubbery bassline, contrapuntal horns, 's artful pianism, and 's impeccable sense of swing that bridges funk, neo-soul, jazz, and hip-hop. "Radio Song" contains layered interpolated rhythms (again courtesy of ), sparkling Rhodes piano, syncopated horns and backing chorus, 's alto croon, and a taut, popping bassline. 's saxophone adds a truly elegant and graceful dimension to "I Can't Help It." The charts on 's tune (with lyrics by ) illuminate what may have been the composer's intent all along -- and nod at -era simultaneously. 's funky subtlety drives the knotty fingerpop of "Let Her," and 's trademark, shimmering cymbal work on "Hold on Me" complements 's sultry vocal in retro bluesy pop -- it's one of only a couple of places on the record where she plays acoustic bass. While may play better to younger pop audiences than more die-hard jazzheads, this program is so diverse and well executed -- despite a little overreaching -- it's anybody's guess. ~ Thom Jurek