As the CD continues, its spirit changes. Hewett relinquishes control moving from conductor to instrument as the talents of George Duke, Gerald Albright, Nathan East, Stanley Clark, and Paulinho Da Costa among others are added to the mix. Hewett does not forsake himself, and yet the combinations are versatile and fresh, like a chef discovering new ingredients in a setting of his own choosing. Listeners will feast deeply on tracks like "I Wanna Know" and "Don't U Wonder 2." While the mood may detour with his rendition of "The Lord's Prayer," the groove does not. After a recent Mighty experience with the Clouds of Joy, I was tolerant of the ecumenical interlude, though it was an awkward interruption to the romantic theme music of the evening (as was the artist's soliloquy to listeners). However, reparations were heartily accepted with the remake of John Lennon's "Imagine" that followed. The recording features the incomparable Billy Preston's last performance, and many will hit the repeat button on this touching close to a love balladeer's return.
If Only failed to satisfy but one wish, for which it cannot be punished. If Only Howard Hewett had released it earlier, perhaps my good fortune would have arrived much sooner. Recommended.