Carl Allen & Rodney Whitaker - Work to Do (2009)

With its combination of classic R&B, soul, jazz, pop, gospel and straight ahead styles, drummer Carl Allen and bassist Rodney Whitaker's new CD, Work To Do, can be considered a rallying cry of sorts. This is their sophomore release on Mack Avenue Records and it comes to life as we all enter a new era filled with hope, pride and ambition. Certainly the universal appeal of the material and music on Work To Do reflects all of these qualities. From the bustling, industrious title track, to the contemplative melancholy of Speak To My Heart, to the optimistic groove of the classic What's Going On, this dynamic duo takes heart, soul and tempo to another joyful level.

Featuring a stellar cast of musicians: Vincent Chandler trombone; George Colligan piano and Fender Rhodes; Vincent Herring alto and soprano saxophone; Rodney Jones acoustic and electric guitar; Brandon Lee trumpet; Dorsey Rob Robinson B3 organ and piano; and Kirk Whalum tenor and soprano saxophone