But blessfully for the very enterprising young man, all that hard worked apparently paid off. In 1977 he was asked to join Bay Area's world renowned Funk/Soul ensemble, Tower Of Power. Michael recorded 4 well received albums during his stay with the group. In 1986 he contributed a song "Razzle Dazzle", as a solo act, on the soundtrack to the hit Goldie Hawn movie, "Wildcats".
Michael and Karyn White, best known for her Babyface penned and produced 1988 R&B hit, "Superwoman" , were both vocalists on jazz fusion keyboardist, Jeff Lorber's 1986 Warner Bros. release, "Private Passion". Then 1989, Michael recorded this self titled solo album for Warner Bros. Records. Various producers and songwriters contributed to this largely unnoticed, but strong effort from a gentleman that has surely paid his dues in the "biz". Let's take another peek at the highlights of this New Jack Swing/Soul de force and see what others missed out on.
First single, "Not Thru Being With You" (Duet with Karyn White) - {Written by James Harris, III p.k.a. "Jimmy Jam" & Terry Lewis : Produced by Jam & Lewis, with Garry "Jellybean Don't Be So Mean" Johnson} - {See accompanying video at the end of this review}
During this time in the late '80's, New Jack Swing was indeed, in full swing (pun intended). Michael & Co. contributed to the then burgeoning NJS movement by recording this funky and upbeat dance number. As typical for the Flyte Tyme crew, the sound emanating from their then Edina, MN based, Flyte Tyme Studios, was that of a hard kick drum that, well, kicked you in the dome, reverbed orchestra sample hits, a thumping bass synth, a neck snapping snare, and their trademarked eerily droned sustained synthesizer chords. This track exemplified all of the above with Michael & Karyn blending their vocal harmonies in perfect harmony.
"Teach Me" - {Written by Michael Jeffries, Nevelle Hodge, & DJ Eddie F : Produced by DJ Eddie F}
"Jealous Heart" - {Written By Garry Johnson, Lisa Carlson, & Michael Jeffries : Produced by Jellybean Johnson}
Let's take it back Minny Apple Style here for a minute. This upbeat foot tapper comes courtesy of that same heavy kicked bass drum, hard hit snare drum, and loud cymbal crashes as done by Jellybean behind the kit. Michael starts off with a mild even tempered vocal, the gradually builds to a roar, as the orchestra hits are knocking you with that 'one, two, left, right' combination. The female vocal parts (not sure if they're Karyn White or Lisa Keith, or both), but in any regard, they stand on their own. Of course, what's a Jellybean produced track without one of his searing, and rockish guitar solos, and it comes blazing through on this one. {Honestly, and this is just my opinion, I think Jellybean should've been THE TIME'S lead guitarist. Nothing against Jesse, that boy is bad ! .... bu .... bu ... but Jellybean's solos are waaaaay better !! .... just my opinion folks !}
"I'm Waiting" - {Written by Garry Johnson & Lisa Carlson : Produced by Jellybean Johnson}
The Twin Cities Funk train keeps rollin' on, and it's very clear there are no red signals ahead on this melodic and funky bass synth fueled head bopper ! Here we go again with the migraine inducing hard hits of the snare (but you don't mind that at all though), the sustained chords of the synthesizer, the keyboard runs and fills, the harmonic backgrounds. Michael's lead vocal performance is the centerpieces of attraction here as he utilizes the full frequency range of his voice, and they're sung, once again, with heart and soul.
"We Loved" - {Written & Produced by Darryl Duncan & Michael Jeffries}
We take the tempo down a bit on the mellow and easy flowing ballad. With the help of an extraordinary talented Chicago area based songwriter/producer/musician, Darryl Duncan, this song is taylor made for those late night activities, ones of which I'll leave to your imagination ;-) ..... The melody is what will draw you into this song as it grooves with sweet sounding synthesizers, cool electric bass guitar lines, no overdoing with the drum programming, and perfectly executed string synthesizer parts. Michael lead vocal, as usual, is at it's finest as he sings a song of yearning, desire, and passion for that significant other. Great song !
"99 Lies" - {Written & Produced by Jay Logan}
This song incorporates a nice funky, uptempo, and cool dance groove, topped with a Cameo influenced bass line. You'll not only hear, but feel the in the pocket drum programming, as the beautifully sung background vocals supplements Michael's strong and melodious lead vocals. Synthesizer horns were used a lot during this time in R&B, and they're consistently heard throughout the song, but it's done tastefully, and not overbearing. They're placed in the right places.
Unfortunately, this was Michael's one and only release for Warner Brothers due to tepid sales. It's a shame too because, the typical, "suits" at these major record companies main concern was their bottom line. Had Warners given him 'another shot', who knows, he could've broke through. But fortunately for US, the true music lovers, Michael is back with an incredible CD, that features both his daughter and son, aptly titled, "Michael Jeffries Daughter and Son". The title of the CD is called, "Family Affair", and I strongly recommend you pick up a copy. Good music is back indeed ! .... and with a vengeance at that ! .... and it's about time !
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
You can pick a copy of this 1989 Warner Brothers CD at Amazon.Com :
..... and you can pick up a copy of Michael's latest project, "Michael Jeffries, Daughter and Son" at CDBaby.Com :
