Perrí - Celebrate! (1986)

The debut album from a vocal group made up of four sisters that were still finding their niche. Jazz, gospel, R&B? Let's try a bit of everything then.

Billboard, January 25, 1986, p. 66

CashBox, January 25, 1986, p. 14

Despite being described as a mentor, there's not much Metheny support on this offering although two of his compositions are among the 8 tracks. I also found an unconfirmed report of the group supporting Anita Baker while she was on tour for the epic Rapture album.

Overall, a slightly better than average attempt; the group just lacked focus and the producer was unable to bring that to the party. It's a fun trip back to '86 because the sound is unmistakably of the time (see track 5, You Take Me To Heaven).

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: Did not chart
• Billboard Jazz: #14
• CashBox Jazz: #8

Tracks: The better tracks are Maybe Tomorrow, He Never Sleeps, and the Metheny covers (Jaco Two and Airstream Two). The only true misstep is the original Alone; the rest is harmless, forgettable R&B in which the material doesn't live up to the sisters' talents.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None, but for the true CD geek, the jewel case for this CD is one of those original old smooth-edged cases with "Patent pending" on the lower right corner of the back of the case.