Howard Hewett: Intimate

A former member of the 1980s pop-soul group Shalamar, Howard Hewett has matured into a fine, modern rhythm-and-blues stylist with a jazz-soul edge and a voice that is both sweet and forceful. Playing to a roomful of fans in a Los Angeles club, the 11-song set Intimate finds Hewett cranking up the drama right from the start with "I'm For Real"--sliding between octaves to build romantic tension--accompanied by a halting but passionate arrangement delivered by Hewett's band. "Once, Twice, Three Times" is a lush yet emotionally bare ballad, while "Heaven Sent You" is a writhing dance number with lots of pop hooks, somewhat reminiscent of Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown." A couple of medleys offer generous helpings of Hewett's solo work as well as a few nuggets from his Shalamar days, and "Crystal Clear" winds things down with its thrilling melody and playful tone. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, DVD extras here include a lovely acoustic version of "Heaven Sent You," featuring Stanley Clarke and George Duke, as well as a conversation between Hewett and James Ingram. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)