Michael Jeffries just released a new album called 'Family Affair' on MJM Artist Records. This album is a collaboration with his daughter Aniko and Son Mike. Michael Jeffries is born in Memphis and raised in San Francisco. You probably know Michael Jeffries as the lead singer of the Tower of Power. This was in the period from 1977-79. He also did the lead vocals on 'Private Passion' and 'Keep on Lovin' Her' for Jeff Lorber's album 'Private Passion' in 86.

In 1989 he recorded his solo debut album called 'Michael Jeffries' on Warner Bros. This album reached #71 in the R&B Album chart. I think this album is underestimated. If you can take your hands on it grep it if you can you won't be disappointed. Some tracks are produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

But let's talk about his latest 2011 album 'Family Affair'. When you press the play button and your CD starts to play, it immediately get you in the mood. For what? To listen more of it. The first track 'Don't forget 2 say I love You' is very smooth with a great harmony between the tuneful music and vocals. This is even better on the next track 'Make Sum', wow what a track. It sounds like a great slow jam of 'Atlantic Starr' with a little bit of 'Marvin Gaye'. This is my Favorite track of this album.

'U Be The Reason' is a funky track with a fantastic groovy bass line and the nowadays well known vocoder sounds. On 'A Love from above' you will hear the sensual voice of Michael's daughter Aniko on sensual groove. The title track 'Family Affair' is a slow tempo soul song with once more the vocoder as layer above the voices of his son Mike. 'Can't You Feel It' is a more uptempo that the previous track. Again tuneful. The next three tracks are slow 'Rewrite' and very slow 'Mother's Love' (vocals on top of a piano play), Plans. I must be honest not my type of tunes.

The next Track #10 'Journey on a butterfly' is again my type of tune. Nice lyrics, a beatiful song. The name of the track speaks for itself. 'You Got The Best' is a funky song with the voice of Aniko. The last track is pop kind of track. Overall this CD have strong soulful melodies with a passionate positive messages and worthwhile to buy. It is available on Amazon.com and iTunes.

Mark Berbiers