(Vocal Jazz / Latin Jazz flavored / Soul) [WEB] Arnold McCuller - Sabor {WGR 85005} - 2008, FLAC (tracks), lossless

You may not know the name, but you certainly know the voice.
At some point in your life you have heard Arnold McCuller's rich and distinctive vocals that have captured the hearts and ears of many well-respected musicians and fans alike. Long time featured vocalist with some of the best recording artists around, including Phil Collins and James Taylor.
Arnold has also set out to further solidify his solo identity with his first recording in 1984, “A Part of Me That’s You”, co produced with jazz piano player, David Benoit. Then “Exception to the Rule” in 1990, with his long time friend Dana Walden. Since he has continued to bring his listeners new material with “You Can’t Go Back” co produced with Bill Cantos, and guitarist Greg Poree. His favorite is his “Live at the Baked Potato”, recorded at one of Hollywood’s most famous jazz clubs.
“Arnold McCuller is what’s going on, that’s always been the case and it always will be”
– James Taylor
The next project was a tribute to artist he’d been singing back up for by recording “Back to Front”, featuring songs originally recorded as a backing vocalist. His renditions still hold their own long after they were recorded. Next came “Circa 1990”, a collection of tunes originally recorded for a project that had been shelved by a major label. Popular live performances at La Ve Lee jazz club, Ghengis Cohen, Molly Malone’s, The Plush Room in San Francisco, and numerous visits to his friends in Naples Florida to support the Autism Foundation in that region.
Arnold McCuller is acknowledged as one of the most expressive vocalist in the business. Whether performing solo or singing back up, his show stopping live performances regularly bring audiences to their feet. Arnold has been one of the music industry's most popular session singers. McCuller's voice has graced recordings by a virtual who's who of the music industry, including Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, and Brenda Russell. Lionel Ritchie, Dave Koz, Billy Idol, Lyle Lovett and Beck to name only a few. You’ll need to Google the rest.
”Arnold's value as a group singer has always obscured his power as a lead vocalist, even as he has stepped out and soloed with James Taylor's and Lyle Lovett's bands. This new CD - Soon As I Get Paid - shows the world what those of us lucky enough to catch his live solo shows have known for years... Arnold McCuller is a force of nature, and a singer of near extraterrestrial abilities.”
Concert tours include Lyle Lovett, where he was both the opening act and featured vocalist, and Phil Collins, Melissa Manchester, Bonnie Raitt and recently duets with Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville. DVD features include “Serious Hits Live”, “First Final Farwell Tour”, and many more with Phil Collins. A&E's “Live By Request”, “Pull Over”, “Squibnocket”, Musicares “ Man of the Year”, and “Live at the Beacon Theater”, featuring James Taylor.
An appearance on Saturday Night Live led to a phone call from singer-songwriter James Taylor. Little did they realize that 30 years later they would still be performing and recording together. In between world tours, Arnold appeared in such films as "Beaches", "Without You I’m Nothing", "Crossroads", "Hollywood Knights", "American Hot Wax", “What’s Love Got to do With It”, "Funny People", and The National Anthem in Clancey’s “The Sum of all Fears”.
“His voice is like a songbird”
– Linda Ronstadt
Born and raised in Ohio, Arnold's early musical experiences centered in the church, where both of his parents were prominent vocalists. He began his professional musical career when he was invited to join the national touring company of HAIR. Two years later he found himself in Manhattan where he studied acting, dance and voice._ In New York, Arnold joined forces with Revelation, a four member vocal group who recorded for RSO (Atlantic Records). "Get Ready for This", "You To Me Are Everything", and the critically acclaimed self titled album "Revelation". The group toured nationally with the Bee Gees, Smokey Robinson, Isaac Hayes and Millie Jackson and many others. _ All of his solo efforts have been released on his indie label, What’s Good Records, which features Arnold at his strongest and surely captures the attention of his international fan base.
In 2008 Arnold released Sabor, a Latin Jazz project which is Arnold’s first all original effort, but clearly not his last. That year he was also involved in recording sessions with Donovan Frankenreiter on “Pass It Around”. Since then Arnold has stayed busy touring with James Taylor and recently got involved with a new album currently in production for Ry Cooder along with a very special upcoming Eric Clapton Blues record.
“I’m used to hearing some great music, particularly country. This guy (Arnold) is the best I’ve ever heard!”
– Vince Bruce
Arnold’s new 2011 project, a Blues album called Soon As I Get Paid is set for an April 19 release along with live performances of the effort being planned nationwide. Soon As I Get Paid was made possible by the selfless financial help of his fans and friends through a special campaign through the social media website Pledge Music. Fellow musicians such as Lyle Lovett even contributed generous financial donations to the production, making this a collaborative effort that has resulted in what is sure to be one of the most important Blues albums of the decade.
Source: http://www.arnoldmcculler.com/about

CD Baby:
This is a Latin Jazz flavored (Sabor meaning flavored or tasty) collection of original compositions. My first of all original words.
Album Notes:
ARNOLD MCCULLER SABOR WGR RELEASE MAY 2008. I have been recording solo since 1984, first on AVI Records and then an album on the Virgin label. But everything subsequent has been comfortably independent. My label is What's Good Records. Distributed by Sumthing Distribution. Previous titles: The Part of Me That’s You, Exception to the Rule, Can’t Go Back, Back to Front, Live at The Baked Potato, and Circa 1990.
Sabor is my first project of all original material, every word and melody. It was produced and arranged by my friend, Jon Gilutin. Jon is one of the finest musical directors and keyboard players in L.A. as his playing throughout Sabor will show. Jon, by the way, is also a brilliant composer. Remember New Attitude? That's the guy! Jon also co-wrote Me Perdonaste and Guru N U with me. Two of my favorite songs were co-written with Matt Cusson, the baddest most soulful newcomer on the scene, still being discovered worldwide by the fans of Brian McKnight and Christina Aguilera. Matt's responsible for the tender ballad, Love Will Prevail and our composition, Let's Go Back. Bill Cantos, my musical director for twenty years, co-wrote Oil On My Skin. I dedicate this song to Bill's beautiful wife, Mary, and to long-time relationships everywhere. The rest of the music was co-written with Andy Abad over a three-year period, when he and I were home from the road. During this time, Andy was touring with Clay Aiken and Marc Anthony; I was out with James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and Lyle Lovett. Nevertheless, we were able to come up with a concept that was true to my dream: A Latin-flavored collection with enough feeling that I hope will inspire people of all musical tastes. I chose to name this project Sabor because it means “flavor” or “tasty.” Although these songs don't strictly qualify as Latin Jazz, I love the genre and I wanted to pay homage to this beautiful style of music. I hope Sabor makes you want to move, be inspired, and, most of all feel the love of self-expression.
-- Arnold
Reviews:
Doctor Ken
clear as a bell
My wife was in the other room the first time I put this CD on. She came in, and said "that is so clear I thought you had gotten your guitar out to play along". So KUDOs to the recording / mixing engineers.
Lest I forget, great songs, and Arnold can sing!!!!!!
----
Robin Renee
Namaste to a Gorgeous Recording
As a huge fan of James Taylor, I have been listening to and loving Arnold McCuller\'s voice for years. It is a treat to hear him step out into the spotlight for this entire CD. Sabor just keeps getting sweeter with each listen.
I expected the rich R&B vocal style delivered with excellent phrasing, and am happy to hear it merged so seamlessly with a playful, sensuous Latin musical sensibility. It is also nice to see that McCuller\'s first venture into 100% original lyrics emerged so positive and uplifting. I am currently finding particular enjoyment in \"Oil On My Skin\" and \"You Forgave Me (Me Perdonaste),\" but as one with a penchant for mindful living, I especially love the nod to Eastern philosophy in \"Guru N U.\"
If you like super smooth soul that swims through jazz and Latin sounds, definitely check it out. Sabor is easy like Sunday morning.

...if anybody needed a great vocal teacher Arnold McCuller is the guy.
- Linda Ronstadt
Source: http://www.arnoldmcculler.com/vocals