Somethin' Bout Love

Album Review

There is a strange but beautiful irony that occurs when an artist writes a great song upon the death of a loved one. Doubtful that Brian Culbertson was aiming for one of Somethin' Bout Love's (Atlantic) most emotionally rich tunes when he wrote the powerful gospel of "I'm Gonna Miss You" for his late manager Howard Lowe II, but he and co-writer/vocalist Lori Perry achieve just that. Unlike similar tunes in American culture that come across as generic, the poignant lyrics are specific to the artist-manager relationship, adding to the tune's uniqueness. The previous ten tracks are typically engaging Culbertson: irresistibly bubbly piano melodies over easy funk grooves, and engaging guest shots by genre artists like saxman Steve Cole (whose alto jams alongside the piano on the hook as Ricky Peterson's Hammond B-3 simmers like a finger on the trigger in the background), Paul Jackson, Jr., Wayman Tisdale, and Dave Koz. Part of the Culbertson lore has him becoming a smooth jazz star while pursuing his love of film scoring. "The Rise and Fall (Of Loving You)," a powerful duet with Koz, soars like the climactic scene in a romantic movie. Culbertson should also further cultivate his love for brassy R&B/blues funk, as the jammin' "Back in the Day" — featuring the keyboardist playing trumpet and trombone — which rings like a classic Earth, Wind & Fire type tune.