FESTIVA CD REVIEW: Lamar Jones - 'Them L Jones'

LAMAR JONES --- "THEM L JONES"
Genre: R & B
To purchase the album: E-mail themljones@gmail.com, attn: cd. Or log on to www.tunecore.com/music/themljones, where the full album will soon be available.
THREE OUT OF FOUR STARS

Lamar Jones second album, "Them L Jones," showcases the singer's talents.

Gifted vocal range. Check.

Complex, mood-altering songwriting. Check.

Liberal use of talented collaborators. Yes, yes and yes.

Local hip hop heads and R & B fans probably already know Jones. He moved to the Valley from South Florida earlier this year with friend and frequent collaborator rapper Shawn Elliot.

The two have blazed a trail on the local scene, putting on excellent shows and winning local entertainment coverage. The duo brings a new level of performance and songwriting to the Valley. You can tell they've collaborated with veteran performers and paid dues in the industry.

And it is evident again on this album. Shawn Elliot raps with Jones singing on a half a dozen tracks or so. The duo combines for some of the best songs on the album.

But make no mistake, Jones talent really shines throughout. Like any R & B album, Them L Jones features an abundance of love songs.

In fact, much of Jones's work sounds like it could be in heavy rotation on Top 40 radio stations.

He also shines when he tackles heavier topics. Jones and Elliot both work in local school districts brining music to children. They teach them to produce and create, aiming to boost the students' confidence. In fact, all the proceeds from the duo's album sales and merchandise go to benefit the program.

On Gotta Give, Jones speaks about current events and the importance of making a difference.

"Day to day I live my life to make a difference, the life of another that's my mission and I aint just saying if you listen, wait a minute," he sings. "Knowledge is essential and how they going to learn if we don't teach them."

Poignant or love struck, Jones has produced a series of excellent tracks.

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Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.