Ronnie Laws – Every Generation

It may be true that Ronnie Laws albums may have followed a specific formula. Yet it could also be argued, how do you know a specific artist when you hear them? Like many musicians in his situation, Ronnie doesn't make music for the critics. He makes music for his fans. He is able to maintain his artistic integrity and please his fans at the same time. In that regard, I do suppose that the opening tune the disco influenced Young Child has some musical value. However, it's the title track that made the album a minor hit. It was particularly big on the emerging smooth jazz radio format of the 1980s. It found years of airplay on such radio stations as the old WNSB in Norfolk. The closing track, As One was also significant. I gave it 4.5 stars since I thought that Young Child was a filler. In addition to Every Generation, Ronnie stretches out vocally with a soul stirring performance on Never Get Back to Houston. However, I have to say a sure fire favorite for jazzers is the haunting and beautiful instrumental, Thoughts and Memories.