B.W.B.’s album Human Nature, is a collection of Michael Jackson songs throughout his singing career, but with smooth jazz instruments. The jazz ensemble is able to successfully translate the most recognized and popular songs from the king of pop into a relaxing jazz sound.
B.W.B consists of three talented jazz musicians with Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Norman Brown. The group reunited after an 11-year break to create this cover album, released in June 2013. Human Nature is B.W.B’s second album, following the 2002 album Groovin. The CD has 11 tracks spreading from the Jackson 5 to his later works of “Man in the Mirror,” “Shake Your Body,” and “I’ll Be There.”
The songs are remarkably similar to the original songs, even with the jazz instruments, expanded song lengths, and lack of vocals. The band was practically spot on with several tracks. “Billie Jean” has a great sax solo given by Whalum, while “Another Part of Me” has a soulful blues sound to it. While “Beat It” has a less rock tempo, it still has enough energy to listen to several times.
I am not going to say I am an avid jazz listener, but “Who’s Lovin You” could be a favorite song due to its guitar and sax solos alone. The album is a unique cover album, where the band creates creative twists to the songs of Michael Jackson.
Here is one track from the CD: