Since his first solo album in 1988, singer and songwriter Will Downing has been very prolific, releasing almost an album a year. Known for his contemporary jazz and classic rhythm and blues sounds, Downing released a new album in November that had a little bit of a twist.
"Lust, Love & Lies" (An Audio Novel) includes 12 musical tracks interspersed with conversation telling the story of a relationship from first meeting to physical attraction to an inevitable misunderstanding and breakup.
"I have been wanting to do a project like this for five or six years," Downing said. "There was nothing going on in my life that inspired this to be written, I just thought wouldn’t it be great to chronicle what happened from the moment [couples] meet to the end."
But why couldn't it be a happy ending without all the meddling friends and bad breakup?
"I know that is the way things work. I am going to be the elephant in the room and I’m going to speak on it," Downing said." Everyone has been through a scenario like this. In this case, it was a misinterpretation of what the lead character's best friend saw. We have all been in that situation."
Downing chose Atlanta's Loews Hotel for his release party, as his fans here have always been a faithful bunch. The several hundred people who came out and purchased CDs, didn't leave until they had to, Downing said.
"I have been coming here since the beginning of my career -- 20 some odd years. I started off doing clubs in and around the Atlanta area. These are some of the most loyal fans," he said.
Their loyalty is a testament to the music, Downing said.
"I think there is a lot of good music out now and a lot of people out there who are good interpreters of music. At one time, we [R& B singers] were the kings of radio and something went wrong along the way. Hip-hop artists came along and became the face of [black] music, but the one problem in that genre is there is nothing long-lasting, no substance behind that genre."
What is the key to longevity of the sort Downing has experience?
"I don’t change with the trends. A great ballad lasts forever. A great slow song will be a great slow song from the moment it is released to the end of time."
Concert Preview
Will Downing with special guest Najee. Friday, Feb. 4. 8:00 p.m., $35 -- $75. Atlanta Symphony Hall,1280 Peachtree Street N.E. www.ticketmaster.com. 1-800-745-3000.
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