http://www.amazon.com/The-Stroke-of-Midnight/dp/B00CV8HDSG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374627102&sr=8-1&keywords=rj+%26+the+assignment
The Stroke of Midnight is the latest from jazz, gospel and R&B group RJ & The Assignment.. The Assignment consist of RJ on keyboards, Julian Tanaka on saxophone, Mariko Kitada on acoustic bass, Jason Bolden on electric bass, Terry Wesley on drums and Jocelyn Winston on vocals.
RJ is a south side Chicago native and has worked as a musician for over 15 years. RJ learned how to play by ear in his hometown church. With his desire to pursue music RJ has contributed to song writing, producing and performing with an array of artists.
RJ is currently in the Las Vegas area, working with a variety of great jazz groups and performing at major venues. Las Vegas is where RJ started his band, The Assignment. RJ said on his website RJ & The Assignment that with the creation of the band they came up with the vision of how “jazz is very alive, jazz is really hip, jazz is cool, and you don’t have to be afraid to listen to it.”
A memorable track from the album is “Come Together” which is a cover from the Beatles. It features Jocelyn Winston on the vocals and her voice is sultry and sophisticated throughout the track. It is an interesting and unique interpretation of the classic and timeless single from the Beatles as RJ incorporates the elements of jazz. Another memorable track is “Naima” which is slow and rhythmic that showcases RJ’s talent and R&B spirit. RJ takes the center stage with his smooth keyboard solo that makes the track come together in harmony.
Overall the tracks in The Stroke of Midnight were easy to listen to but it was hard to get through the album.