Zhane Pronounced Jah-nay

Zhane: Renee Neufville (vocals, strings, piano); Jean Norris (vocals, piano, keyboards). Additional personnel: Paul Levante (guitar); Kevin Batchelor (trumpet); Dave Bellochio (piano, keyboards); Craig King, Voe, Pop (keyboards); Alan Goldsher, Frank Gravis (bass); Steve Williams (drums); Kay Gee (drum programming, background vocals); Wendell, Face, Les (background vocals). Includes liner notes by Steve McKeever. Co-produced by rap heavyweights Naughty by Nature, who are skilled in treading the line between street and mainstream acceptance, PRONOUNCED JAH-NAY packs a rhythmic punch, but soulful strings and airy keyboard chops create a more sophisticated ambience that fits Zhane's honey-glazed vocals like a velvet glove. On the whole, the song-writing is fairly standard, alternating between emotion-laden quiet storm paens ("Off My Mind," "For A Reason") and more uptempo exhortations to dance ("Groove Thang" and a nice remix of "Hey Mr. D.J."), but Zhane is clearly good at what they do.

• Released: 2/15/2019
• Genre: R&B
• Format: Vinyl