Yamaha Ent. Group of America Nathan East • Producers: Chris Gero & Nathan East • Score: 9/10
Forty-two years after registering the first of more than 1,200 studio recording credits, the Fourplay and Daft Punk bassist, composer and vocalist emerges with a solo debut that, not surprisingly, draws from his extensive resume in pop, R&B and contemporary jazz. The happy schizophrenia includes covers of classics by everyone from Stevie Wonder and Pat Metheny to Blind Faith, the Beatles and Van Morrison (a rousing Michael McDonald vocal on “Moondance”). But it’s originals like the jazzy “Sevenate” and the freewheeling Mandela tribute “Madiba,” along with a vocal feature by Sara Bareilles, that steal the eclectic show. – Jonathan Widran
