April 6, 2004
Off The Record

By Sonja Franks

·  PETE BELASCO. "DEEPER." (Compendia Records)

The slow, comforting rhythm flickers like shadows in a candle-lit room. Sweet R&B melodies are dipped in jazz, like strawberries in chocolate. The vocals are as soothing and cool as satin sheets. And the saxophone flows like champagne.

This is "Deeper," by Pete Belasco.

Fans of Belasco's soundtrack work for the film "Secretary" and his debut album, "Get It Together" will find familiar nuances in this collection. But "Deeper" is more intimate and erotic. The combination of R&B and various elements of jazz blend into a passionate soundtrack for seduction.

Produced by Belasco and his mystery partner, a guitarist and producer known only as J.K., "Deeper" creates an ambience rarely found in current music. This CD successfully captures the groove found in the recordings of R&B greats like Curtis Mayfield, the Isley Brothers and Marvin Gaye, but "Deeper" is also comparable to modern neo-soul artists like Sade and Erykah Badu.

Belasco not only sings, but also plays the saxophone, organ and piano. Partner J.K. contributes some awesome guitar effects. Musician Herbie Hancock provided advice and encouragement, while percussionist Barishi Johnson laid down perfectly subtle beats.

The steamy opening track, "Hurry Hurry" seems to raise the temperature, as Belasco persuades his lover to stay the night. The lyrics are almost whispered in the title track "Deeper," which has a heavy retro-feel due to the guitar effects and a funky beat. In "Wonderful Woman," Belasco's musical tribute to his wife, he breathlessly proclaims her his "natural high," "the soft sunrise" and "the song I sing."

The spirit of Gaye is resurrected in the tender and sweet song, "I'll Come To You," about a man's wish to please his woman, in what Belasco coyly refers to as "the spirit of giving." Also, "Fool's World," a song about society and politics has soft back-up vocals, funky guitar effects and a complex rhythm, similar to Gaye's "What's Going On."

"Deeper" also contains some purely instrumental tracks that add continuity to the dreamy atmosphere of the album. Two tracks named for his daughters, "Nia" and "Zoe" are beautiful musical love notes that seem to need no words. "People Ask Me," the last track on the CD, is more upbeat and jazz-inspired than the other songs.

So after the party or after work, turn the lights low and lock the door. Put on Belasco's "Deeper" and grab your sweetheart. What happens after that is up to you.

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