Peabo Bryson - Missing You [2007]

Maintaining the same supple, jazz-inflected vocals that made Peabo Bryson's name during his 1980s run of classic R&B makeout tunes, MISSING YOU finds Bryson shifting to an indie label with no loss of style, sophistication, or smoothness. MISSING YOU features vintage-sounding slow jams such as "Count On Me," "I Promise I Do," and "I Try," with Bryson in excellent voice throughout the mellow, groove-oriented set.

Personnel: Peabo Bryson (vocals, keyboards, programming, background vocals); Norman Brown (guitar); Philip Hamilton (guitars, acoustic guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr. (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Barry Eastmond (strings, piano, keyboards, programming, drum programming); Boney James (saxophone); Paul Taylor Choristers (alto saxophone); Bobby Lyle (piano, keyboards); Regina Troupe (keyboards, programming, background vocals); Clark Anderson (keyboards, background vocals); Freddie "Ready Freddie" Washington , Nate Phillips (bass guitar); Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Ricky Lawson (drums); Munyungo (percussion); Marc Freeman, Blake Eiseman (programming); Claude Kelly, Gary Brown , Dwight Watkins, Rhonda Tierra Hart, Kim Riley, Tara Jamelle Jones (background vocals).




















Peabo Bryson - Anthology [2001]

This double-disc set compiles 30 of Peabo Bryson's highest-charting -- as well as best-loved -- R&B and pop/soul classics. Bryson's smooth tenor vocals epitomize the late '70s and '80s quiet storm genre of laid-back sexy soul music. Anthology highlights both Bryson's hits as a solo artist, as well as his highly regarded and memorable duets. Additionally, by cross-licensing songs from other labels, Anthology is easily the most comprehensive overview of Bryson's work available. While this set is drawn primarily from his albums on Capitol Records in the mid-to-late '70s and '80s, the set begins with a trio of songs -- "Underground Music," "Just Another Day," and "I Can Make It Better" from Bryson's debut on the Atlanta, GA-based Bang label. His lengthy relationship with Capitol began in earnest with Reaching for the Sky -- represented on this collection by the Top Ten title track, among several others. Bryson's tremendous crossover appeal insured that pop and R&B radio were always mere minutes away from either one of Bryson's solo hits or his numerous duets. The album that broke Bryson nationally was a volume with co-vocalist Natalie Cole titled We're the Best of Friends. Included from that release are the hits "Gimmie Some Time" and "What You Won't Do for Love." The instantly recognizable "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" is one of the three duets underscoring the special chemistry between Bryson and Roberta Flack. While no substitute for her late partner Donny Hathaway, Bryson certainly rekindles the flame. Another notable duet on Anthology is "Lovers After All," featuring co-vocalist Melissa Manchester. The track stands as the only highlight on her otherwise forgettable For the Working Girl album in 1980.






















Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack - Born To Love [1983]

By the time the 1980s rolled around, Peabo Bryson was a bona fide R&B/quiet storm star, and Born to Love further solidified his place in the upper echelon of not only R&B, but pop music as well. A full album of duets with Roberta Flack (who has the knack of pairing herself with quality singing partners), the most obvious hit on the record was the opening track. "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" became a bona fide phenomenon on the R&B charts, became a highly requested wedding song, and has been licensed to numerous compilations over the years. There are some other quality songs on this record (the Bacharach/Bayer Sager penned "Blame It on Me" and the minor hit "You're Lookin' Like Love to Me"), but they all unquestionably remain in the giant shadow of "Tonight." Not an essential album by any means, but nonetheless an enjoyable listen.




















Peabo Bryson - I Am Love [1981]

On this album, Peabo Bryson still retains some of the appeal that made him a favorite among R&B lovers. The title track is the first song on Side A, and rightly so, as it hooks you in immediately. Its comforting, moody chord changes are pleasantly engaging. Bryson's pleading vocals are convincing, even in their mournful tone. This song was not a release, but it did receive radio airplay and remains a Quiet Storm standard. There were two featured singles: "Let the Feeling Flow" and "There's No Guarantee" are both moderately paced ballads with a commercial feel; the former is a more dynamic song. While Bryson's lead vocals roar throughout the body of the song, his background vocalist Terry Dukes stands just as tall in the vamp, where the two exchange vocal ad libs. The song also enjoyed more chart success than its companion; it peaked at number six on the Billboard R&B charts after 20 weeks. "There's No Guarantee" fell 30 positions short of its predecessor at #36 after only nine weeks on the charts. While "Impossible" conveys a pop texture during its inception, it slowly transcends into a spirited R&B number with much gospel influence. To be known for Quiet Storm savvy, the South Carolina native has some rhythmic uptempo numbers that hold their own. Bryson's overall ability to inflict his vocal prowess upon a song remains prominent on this album.



















Peabo Bryson - Peabo [1976]

Peabo, released in 1976, is the first album from the talented singer. Even by his mid-twenties, Bryson had the clear and singular tenor and the mix of strength and vulnerability. Not yet an established lothario, the best tracks here deal mostly with regret and bittersweet emotions. Bryson wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks and serves as producer. On the first song, the country-styled "Just Another Day," Bryson reviews a going nowhere relationship as he sings "I guess I'll stay and see the end/Imagine I was here/For a while" with the perfect balance of restraint and self-pity. The emotional and melody rich "I Can Make It Better" has Bryson giving his best performance here. Peabo also has up-tempo tracks, although he's not as proficient at them as he is the ballads. "Smile" and "Underground Music" are skilled, but his metier is no doubt songs with a slower pace. The bittersweet "Lovely Lady" is close to the work he would subsequently do for Capitol. Recorded with the "LA Rhythm Section," the track features a dramatic string arrangement from Gene Page and another smooth and assured vocal from Bryson. The last track, "God Is on Our Side," has Bryson skillfully putting across his message without making it boring. Peabo was recorded at four different recording studios and employed esteemed session players and singers including Ray Parker, Jr., David T. Walker, Luther Vandross, and Cissy Houston. Peabo is a great debut and offers a few of his most loved songs.

Tracklistings are in the comments section.