Chris "Big Dog" Davis is here hitting you with Focus, a concept album for 2020. When I say concept, I mean an album where Davis produces, and each song will feature some big name talent. It is like a Quincy Jones or David Foster type album. We love collaborations, so this album will appeal to fans of both the R&B and Contemporary Jazz genres.
Davis has produced for Will Downing, Chanté Moore, Brian McKnight, and more.
Focus will drop on June 26th, and it will feature Rick Braun, Maysa, Kim Waters, Gerald Albright, and others.
“This experience has really been exciting and rewarding. My hope is that people will enjoy coming into my musical world and getting a deeper glimpse into who I am and all of the music that has influenced me from Jazz, Funk Gospel and Pop,” says Davis, who has produced 17 #1 hits on the Contemporary Jazz charts.
Let's check out the 11 song set!
Review - 'Focus' by Chris "Big Dog" Davis
The set begins with Whatcha Gonna Do For Me. If that title sounds familiar, they sample the hook from the Chaka Khan classic. This is a really funky track, and to make things even better, Gerald Albright guests on the song.
Focus, the title track, has an Incognito feel to it, as Maysa and Bluey make an appearance. It has that danceable jazz that is always in demand. Davis' does his thing on the piano and Bluey is right there on the guitar. With Maysa on the mic, you know the song will be a hit.
If you want to get a taste of the perfect mix of Smooth Jazz and R&B, check out One Day At A Time. Rick Braun is featured and his trumpet fits in nicely with this mid-tempo groove. This is a song you will want to listen to during one of those lazy days.
They slow the pace a little more with You Are Loved. Bassist Ace Livingston lends his talents to the track. The backing vocals allow the listener to sing along, and this is one of the smoothest jazz tracks of 2020.
Silver Street is up next. Marty Q is on lead sax and this uptempo track really starts to get you going...then it ends! Clocking in at 2:25, we may need a remix so we can enjoy the track a little more.
In It's All Love, Dave Koz makes an appearance. The song is vintage Koz, and the genius is in it's simplicity. It is all about the sax and the piano, and I can really hear this as the opening song for a new TV drama.
You Just Smile is up next. At first listen, I thought Norman Brown was playing on the track. It is actually Tony DePaolo, and he does a nice job on the guitar. Davis does an excellent job with the piano play, and the backing vocals complete the song.
In Natural High, I am getting a smoky supper-club vibe. Remember the Pink Panther theme song? This track really does sit in that lane. Marty Q is back on the sax.
Fall Back is all 'Big Dog', as Davis performs all of the keyboards and programming. This is another uptempo gem that will keep the party going.
Nick Colionne joins the party on Just When You Thought You Had Enough. This track feels like we are a fly on the wall, listening to a session where two old friends are exploring the creative process. It is almost like an interlude, as it is just over two minutes long. In this case, I will take what I can get!
The album concludes with Blue Light Special. Kim Waters is here and this is a track that would appear on the R&B charts if it had a vocal. This uptempo song is the perfect way to leave the fans wanting more. Davis offers a great piano performance and Waters does not disappoint. Overall a great track.
Chris 'Big Dog' Davis has been behind the scenes, producing artists for quite some time. Focus offers an opportunity for Davis to gain some new fans, while showcasing his piano and production skills. Be sure to check it out on your favorite streaming service.