Based on the quality of the material, production, and the obvious vocal power he expresses on his all-important sophomore album, Kenny Lattimore could well be in line to emerge as the Luther Vandross of his generation. The DC-native's involvement as the co-producer on 10 of the album's outstanding tracks, a collaborating songwriter on eight tunes, and the co-executive producer of From The Soul Of Man bodes well for what has already begun as a very promising, long-term career.
The new album reflects the creative growth Lattimore has experienced since the 1996 release of his self-titled debut, which achieved gold status in no small part due to the success of the hit single "For You," which garnered him a Grammy nomination. Lattimore takes chances by using--among others--some new producers from the Philadelphia collective A Touch Of Jazz, spearheaded by "Jazzy" Jeff Townes. Townes co-produced a super soulful cover of "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know," a Blood, Sweat & Tears tune popularized in the '70s by the late, great Donny Hathaway. It's a tribute to Lattimore's skills that he even attempts a song associated with Hathaway and pulls it off with power and passion.
Key cuts also include the first single "Days Like This," the standout ballads "If I Lose My Woman" and "Make Believe," the quirky "Destiny," a poignant reading of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," and the atmospheric "Heaven And Earth." Based on Lattimore's performance on his second album, he can look forward to a platinum-filled future.
