Charlie Hunter’s new album AM Clock Radio hits me like aural catnip. Slinky instrumental versions of 1982 hits like Dazz Band’s “Let It Whip,” DeBarge’s “I Like It” and Zapp’s “Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)” are absolutely irresistible for a funk and R&B fan of my age and inclinations.
Only a Drop, Lo Steele’s March release co-produced by Hunter, may be even more satisfying. I first became aware of Steele a few days after relocating to Portland a couple weeks ago. She co-headlined the Montavilla Jazz Festival, but I wasn’t able to catch her during the seven hours I spent at the event.
I was present, however, when Steele sat in with Alden Hellmuth at the 1905 for a charming rendition of “Save Your Love for Me” on September 10. I discovered Only a Drop later that evening.
As the hundreds of thousands of people obsessed with D’Angelo’s Voodoo know, Hunter played a key role in shaping the feel of the landmark 2000 album. Only a Drop is a mellower, gospel-infused descendent of Voodoo. Portland should be proud.