"Will Downing is all the man you need to get the emotions in motion." - JazzTimes "...nothing is as exciting as news of a new album from Will Downing. No other artist on the soul scene has released albums and singles as consistently good as Will Downing." - The Funk And Soul Revue Will Downing, widely known as "The Prince Of Sophisticated Soul", is an icon in both the R&B and Jazz worlds. 'Black Pearls' is an homage to some of the greatest female vocalists in the history of R&B: a collection of superstar R&B songbird classics, re-imagined from a male point of view!! Featuring guest appearances by Kirk Whalum and Najee and a full string ensemble, with arrangements and production by such superstar producers as Barry Eastmond (who has produced the likes of Aretha Franklin and Anita Baker) and Chris "Big Dog" Davis (George Clinton, Najee, Kim Burrell), 'Black Pearls' is the crowning achievement of Will Downing's 28 year career!