![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blog.musoscribe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/tito_jackson.jpg\")
If you\u2019re any of the offspring of Joe Jackson of Gary, Indiana, your surname carries with it a great deal of baggage. The stunningly talented Jackson 5 (later The Jacksons) racked up three Grammy nominations, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and \u2013 three times \u2013 the Grammy Hall of Fame. To venture beyond that framework and launch a solo career means coming face to face with the high expectations associated with the Jackson name.<\/p>\n
Happily, vocalist, lead guitarist and second-eldest son Tito Jackson has the goods. Tito embarked upon a solo career in 2003; his work outside The Jacksons has seen him expanding upon his pop music foundation to incorporate elements of jazz and blues. His first solo release, Tito Time<\/i>, appeared in 2016. Now in 2021, he returns with Under Your Spell<\/i>, a lively and assured immersion into the blues.<\/p>\n
From its cover graphics on down to the music within, Under Your Spell <\/i>is characterized by its proliferation of guest artists. Tito is joined by several top-tier names in blues, but he\u2019s never overshadowed; his innate talent shines through.<\/p>\n
The record opens with the rollicking \u201cWheels Keep Turning,\u201d a good-timing tune with a B.B. King feel. Michael K. Jackson (no relation) provides a surprisingly authentic-sounding \u201chorn section,\u201d using keyboards. But the primary strengths of the song are Tito\u2019s spirited lead vocal and sinewy lead guitar lines.<\/p>\n
\u201cLove One Another\u201d features the distinctive chromatic harp work of Stevie Wonder; his harp punctuates the song\u2019s phrases, sometimes sparring with the lead vocals. Those vocals are shared \u2013 sometimes in unison, other times in harmony, occasionally via solo turns \u2013 between Tito, Marlon Jackson, Kenny Neal and blues giant Bobby Rush.<\/p>\n
The swinging blues of \u201cI Like It\u201d finds the spotlight shining most brightly on Tito, working here without guest artists. In contrast, the funky, riff-heavy title track features some searing slide guitar work from Joe Bonamassa.<\/p>\n
Michael K. Jackson\u2019s keyboard horns \u2013 joined here by \u201creal\u201d horn players \u2013 give a beefy yet urbane, uptown vibe to \u201cDyin\u2019 Over Here.\u201d Darnell Neal\u2019s supple bass work provides a solid, propulsive foundation. But it\u2019s Tito\u2019s assured lead vocal that makes the song.<\/p>\n
For the original (yet classic sounding) \u201cBig Leg Woman,\u201d Tito heads in a classic Chicago blues direction. Jason Parfait\u2019s gritty sax engages in dialogue with Tito\u2019s soulful and breathy lead vocal. His clean and commanding lead guitar break has a subtle jazz feel.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re Gonna Push Me Too Far\u201d leans more toward r&b than blues, with silky-smooth backing vocal choruses and hand claps. But the blues feel returns on \u201cThat Kind of Love,\u201d showcasing Grady Champion\u2019s ace harmonica work. The album\u2019s occasionally slick production choices are wisely dialed back here, highlighting the song\u2019s organic qualities.<\/p>\n
B.B. King released \u201cRock Me Baby\u201d in 1964; daughter Claudette King joins in on growling vocals for Tito\u2019s remake. The song\u2019s arrangement is a bit stiff, but the committed vocals and George Benson\u2019s tasteful extended lead work make it worthwhile. With Michael Lee and Tito taking lead turns as well, \u201cRock Me Baby\u201d is the album\u2019s guitar-fest.<\/p>\n
The famed Gamble-Huff writing duo wrote \u201cAll in the Family Blues\u201d for the album, and its smoky, sultry character is heightened by Eddy Levert, who shares lead vocals with Tito Jackson. The presence of a real brass section makes the song even stronger.<\/p>\n
The smooth r&b of \u201cI Got Caught (Loving in a Dream)\u201d closes Under Your Spell<\/i> on a strong note. The lyrics name-check Johnnie Taylor and Muddy Waters, and it\u2019s clear that Tito has absorbed the qualities that made those artists special.<\/p>\n
With Tito as a member, The Jacksons continue as a performing entity. But as Under Your Spell<\/i> effectively demonstrates, he has plenty to offer as a solo artist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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