Jef Kearns - Soulfisticated (2013)

Following up his 2009 release, On the Level, and his recent single, Play On, (which hit #7 on Amazon Japan's R&B/Soul download chart) Jef Kearns presents his sophomore album, Soulfisticated. An album in the true sense of the word, it has continuity and songs long enough to take you on journey. With songs that borrow from contemporary R&B and the classic quiet storm sound Jef still maintains a sound all his own. An unmistakable voice coming from an unmistakable talent. 'Soulfisticated satisfies because Kearns' instrumentals are as imaginative and energetic as they were on previous efforts while the vocal and lyrical work is a step up. Kearns' development as an artist and visionary on this project is heartening, and should provide his growing legion of fans with much to like. And, just as importantly, the combination should please fans of sophisticated R&B who may hear Jef Kearns for the first time. Recommended.' - Soul Tracks 'Making the flute speak the urban language of soul is what Jef Kearns has achieved with his latest LP 'Soulfisticated'. His flute leads ... and the musicians and vocalists balance Jef's harmonic range of ethereal and poetic acoustics. Even ... (when) the synthesized drums are intense, Jef's flute continues to be the heartbeat of the song and throughout the entire LP. The music from "Soulfisticated" provides a chromatic visual of urban soul music that you normally don't hear from flautists.' - Detroit Jazz Magazine 'Kearns is flautist who performs in the R&B genre and is strongly influenced by Detroit radio he grew up listening to in the late 80s and 90s. Ah, the golden years. What results is a smooth, polished sound that appeals to both jazz and R&B fans. One of the standouts is 'Saturday's End,' featuring Divine Brown and Slakah the Beatchild. Kearns' flute simply glides across the track, creating a warm, soothing atmosphere. It's an authentic, fresh sound that brings modern R&B back to it's roots. Kearns has mastered the building blocks of R&B.' - Soul in Stereo.com 'Flautist Jef Kearns steps forward with a very appealing R&B/hip hop/jazz release that packs a lot of intensity and soul-stirring melodies throughout the album. The release, Soulfisticated, draws on the musical cultures mentioned above and strives to present them in melodic, almost dramatic, fashion. What you will find most pleasant is how Kearns weaves his flute into the fabric of this very focused album. It floats, it sings, and it pushes the melodies forward with muscle and charm.' - The Smooth Jazz Ride 'Soulfisticated satisfies because Kearns' instrumentals are as imaginative and energetic as they were on previous efforts while the vocal and lyrical work is a step up. Kearns' development as an artist and visionary on this project is heartening, and should provide his growing legion of fans with much to like. And, just as importantly, the combination should please fans of sophisticated R&B who may hear Jef Kearns for the first time. Recommended' - Soul Tracks 'Soul flautist Jef Kearns first caught my attention in 2009 with his stellar CD 'On The Level' and now he is back (literally) with the single 'Back Again'. It features vocalist Karen Jules and is a pop infused yet soulful anthem that, if there is any justice in this world, is bound to be a hit. ' - Smooth Jazz Therapy.com 'His compositions and beats are both really strong. Beautiful flute performance on really good quality pop music. Not only the Smooth Jazz listeners, but also R&B music fans would enjoy his songs.' - Tom Coyne, Mastering Engineer (Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo, Sade, Beyoncé)