::ALBUM REVIEW::

The intricate harmonic structures of Take 6 have been recreated by the upcoming contemporary jazz group, In-A-Way. This group based out of Camden, New Jersey proves their success of blend on their recent album release, "Friend 18:24". With group member Aaron Pope handling the production and direction, "Friend 18:24" pulls out fresh vocal arrangements and a pool of musical styles ranging from soft pop to barbershop quartet, from vocal jazz to contemporary R&B with an a'capella twist. And while most of the twelve selections have a lack of instrumentation, the focus primarily centers on In-A-Way's vocal skills and blend.

The album opens up with the Big Band swingtime "Unfailing Love". With its infectious, expedient tempo and Michael Baker's cool lead vocals, the song leaves a warm impression on its listeners and immediately brings up memories of the sounds captured on Take 6's best-selling debut. The Quiet Storm vibe of "Friend 18:24", the album's title cut, possess a sultry, sensitive flow and is highly guided by a Boyz II Men/112 contemporary R&B melody. And even with the lack of instrumentation and just the aid of cool finger-snapping action, the song is sealed with quality ingredients for crossover interest and proves to be one of the album's strongest highlights. "Trust In You", first introduced on Bryant Barnett's "I'm New", features incredible guest vocals from Bryant Barnett on a smooth, bebop fashioned groove. Rebecca McDowell appears on the worshipful "Holy Is The Lord" and with the song's mellow, simplistic posture, the song goes over well. The ensemble also expounds on the meaning of their group's name with "In-A-Way". Another contemporary R&B groove, this cut uses minor keyboard instrumentation while focusing heavily on the beautiful vocal interpretations captured by the group. The song feels short lived - almost as if it was meant to be an interlude or a novelty piece, but it captures the coolness of the group and showcases the strong potential they possess for the mainstream market.

But there are a few low points captured on the disc that may need some attention. "U Can Do It Too" is an animated hybrid of children's TV programming, 80s ol' skool rap and snippets of humor. While the message is inspirational and is probably aimed at younger audiences, it feels like a novelty track that feels more like a joke rather than a serious contribution. The lack of instrumentation reveals its ugly side on the house-driven "Get Right". While the rhythms of the drum programming is well received, because of the breezy harmonies of In-A-Way, it would have been stronger if a few synths or some pounding percussion were attached to the mix. Plus, the few interludes ("Never Give Up", "Lead Me") captured almost feel like potential full-length songs, yet they were edited and shortened and even feel as if they were abruptly cut off. While they are nice appetizers, it somehow disturbs the integrity of the album because of their ability to tease the ear that yearns for more.

In-A-Way does reveal their unique abilities to meld beautifully their rich voices on "Friend 18:24"; creating an organic listening experience unlike most gospel projects. And while the musical flavor of this album strays far from what gospel radio today leaps for, In-A-Way revisits a style and a personality that most artists fail to focus and invest in. Maybe on the next round, In-A-Way will continue to incorporate what they are well known for while showcasing stronger advances in dynamic arrangements and instrumentation.