| Jazz, Soul |
Whitney Jones is undoubtedly one of the most inspired and inspiring artists on today’s soul/funk scene, her music deeply infused with the spirit of jazz. With an exceptional voice and a new project that, as its title suggests, draws heavily from her personal journey, Jones invites listeners to discover her story the best way possible, by simply listening. This album has been a long time in the making, but one listen confirms: it was well worth the wait.
A Bayou Blue Radio favorite, Whitney Jones first introduced herself a few years ago with her promising debut EP Higher. Even then, her remarkable vocal performances hinted at the depth of talent she now fully reveals. Here, what stands out is not only her voice, but also the meticulous musical craftsmanship, arrangements so polished they could easily have emerged from the world’s finest studios. Back then, Jones already made her mission clear: “I want to give back,” she said. “My goal is to uplift, inspire, and encourage people through music and entertainment, to help them cast out fear and walk in love.”
Based on Reality is the fruit of powerful collaborations with producers W. Timothy Bailey, Jr., Nick Blount, and Josiah Walker. Her husband, Christopher Boozer, also contributed to the songwriting and performance, bringing an even deeper layer of intimacy, love, and complicity to the project. The album’s musical lineup reads like a who’s who of accomplished talent: Greg Varlotta on trumpet, Lamar Gaines on keyboards, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Buddy Strong on piano and organ, Grammy Award-winning guitarist Andre Frappier, multi-Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown, and Ira King, drummer for Sister Sledge. Guest artists further enrich the album: vocalists Celia King and Eric King, guitarist Marcus Williams (whose standout solo shines on the first single, “Under The Moonlight”), keyboardists Roney Jones and Jeremy Seaton, bassist Mario Mendivil, drummer Brandon Carter, and percussionist Frank Valdes.
The result is dazzling. The album was engineered and mixed by award-winning Otto D’Agnolo at Mia Studios in Scottsdale, Arizona, and then masterfully finalized by multi-platinum certified engineer Jamison Weddle at Studiocat Productions. Every detail was treated with the utmost care.
And when it comes to Whitney Jones, comparisons are not just unnecessary, they’re impossible. She possesses a truly unique voice and a rare musical sensibility. You won’t find overpowering bass lines here, unlike so many contemporary productions; instead, there is rhythm, certainly, but also poetry. Speaking as someone not typically devoted to this genre, I can’t help but admire the artistic richness on display.
If Motown were still in its prime, this is exactly the kind of album they would be producing honoring their legacy and values while embracing modern, intelligent songwriting. Even the sequencing of the tracks feels thoughtfully crafted, avoiding the overuse of studio effects that too often plague similar albums.
Across thirteen songs, Whitney Jones confirms what many already suspected: she is an artist of the first order.
And what a brilliant choice to close with “It Will Be Alright,” a final showcase of all the grace, depth, and artistry that define her work.
Thierry De Clemensat
Member at Jazz Journalists Association
USA correspondent for Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief – Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, April 28th 2025
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Show: Whitney Jones “Based on Reality”, An Evening of Excellence with Special Guest Packer Lane
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 North Arizona Avenue, Chandler, AZ 85225
Friday, May 9 @7:00 PM-10:00 PM
Buy Tickets
Tracklist:
I Am Grateful
Under The Moonlight
True Love
Lover’s Art
Wake Up and Dream
Be Brave
The Hero’s Inside of You
Breathe
Freedom Is Found In Love
Dance With Me
More Than a Dream
Kick Fear Outchyo Face
It Will Be Alright