Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Keyboard player and occasional singer Justin C Gilbert has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the mainstream (Justin Timberlake, Eminem, Alicia Keyes) and some of the biggest acts in gospel (LaShun Pace, Ted Winn, Jennifer Holliday) so when the news came through that LA's Dream Records were releasing Justin's solo project I was confidently expecting a very special album. Unfortunately, despite all his skilful musicianship - and Mr Gilbert's keyboard ability is jaw-droppingly good - 'Aligned' is a stylistic smorgasbord which fails to impress and even such guests as PJ Morton, Chantae Cann and Ametria Dock cannot stop the listener from skipping from one track to the next as Justin shows he is adept at playing jazz, pop, R&B and gospel without being particularly committed to any style. There are one or two good moments. The opening track "Where I'm From" is propelled along by a clever vocal sample and "The Funk" does just what you would expect it to as it runs through a groove able to get even old legs like mine up and dancing. But overall 'Aligned' is something of a damp squib despite all the talent clearly on display.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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