Euphoria 2014

 Will Downing's 17th studio-album, 2014's Euphoria, is an ambitious and uplifting mix of contemporary R&B and vocal jazz. An adept singer with a longstanding knack for delivering romantic, soulful, contemporary pop music, Downing outdoes himself here. Once again working with keyboardists Chris "Big Dog" Davis and Mike Logan, and featuring special guests like saxophonists Gerald Albright and Najee, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, and the brass ensemble Chops Horns, Downing has crafted a gorgeous and sophisticated album that stands apart from works by his contemporaries. This is fluid, elegant music that strikes a balance between layered, standards-influenced vocal jazz and groove-oriented R&B.