COOL RELAX is an Enhanced CD containing both a full audio program as well as multimedia computer files. Personnel: Jon B. (vocals, various instruments); Natie (rap vocals); Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Babyface (various instruments); Reggie Hamilton (guitar, bass); Dean Parks, Tommy Martin (acoustic guitar); David Kopp, Michael Thompson, Eric Jackson (guitar); Bob Robinson (Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards); Tim Kelley (keyboards, drum programming); Jon-John, Dahoud Darien, Keith Andes, Greg Phillinganes, David Foster (keyboards); Nathan East, Reggie Griffin, Dave Elias (bass); Sheila E (percussion); Simon Franglen (programming); Roy Galloway, Atlass, Marc Nelson, Melvin Edmonds, Kevon Edmonds, Toni Estes, Ali Olmo, Khris Kellow (background vocals); 2Pac. Producers include: Jon B., Tim Kelley, Bob Robinson, Jon-John, David Foster. Engineers include: Paul Lani, Tim Kelley, Brian Smith. Jon B. could sing a dog off a meat truck with that smooth set of pipes,and sexy "Come on, make my bed" attitude. But as writer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Jon B. proves he's more than just a pretty voice. COOL RELAX, the well developed follow-up to his debut album BONAFIDE, essays love in all it's familiar forms; sensual, ideal, joyful, hurtful, and above all, necessary. His voice, sweet, sinuous, and seductive, paints a perfect picture over a clean, uncluttered canvas highlighted by a pleasingly funky acoustic guitar and strong, no-bull bass grooves. These "ballads with a backbone" betray his allegiance to the classic soul sounds which he has adroitly woven into his slick, contemporary arrangements. This disc boasts "Pride and Joy," a beautiful Babyface composition (no surprise; Jon B. is clearly a disciple), rapping and production by Tupac Shakur on "Are you still Down", vocal collaborations with K.C. and JoJo from Jodeci; even some percussion by Shiela E. This CD moves neatly from the car to the bouduoir. But don't let his macho mien and carnal come-on fool you.. he's got a soul even your mama could love!
