Good things come to those who wait, and wait, and wait— which is what I've been doing for the new Jiva CD "Sun and Moon." At long last, it is here and I am thrilled to say that it was worth every second of the wait, and I am still Jiva's biggest fan.
Jiva, led by bassist Khari Simmons, is Atlanta's answer to Nicola Conte's soul-bossa dance movement. Joining Khari in the band is the best set of vocalists since Chic— Rhonda Thomas, Paige Martin and the incomparable Alex Lattimore— a mighty trio with incredible synergy. They work with a host of talented musicians, sun-bespeckled Julius Speed on Fender Rhodes, trumpeter Bob Brockman, drummer Forrest Robinson, flutists Paul Shapiro and Vincent D'Agostino and a host of others. What? Did I say a REAL band? Yup.
The band has been plugging away for the past few years with single releases on Giant Step and features on the Atlanta Soul and Chocolate Soul compilations. "Sun and Moon" culminates all their work thus far into a tidy little 9-tracker full of smooth, expertly arranged tunes that just feel good. Highlights include a rework of a personal favourite "Stars," previously released with a Tom and Joyce remix, and "Swept Away," a 6/8 sensual tropical feeling number. "Confessions of a Man" with Lattimore on lead vocals sums up what love is all about—simple, beautiful and honest—just like this album.
