2-LP SET EDITION

• 4 stars all music guide

Synchronized with the 50th anniversary of the active Earth, Wind & Fire, Love Will Find a Way is Philip Bailey's first solo album in 17 years. That's a mighty long time -- longer than the time span between "Keep Your Head to the Sky" and "System of Survival." Nonetheless, this continues in the direction Bailey was headed on his 1999 and 2002 efforts for the Heads Up label, though the singer and percussionist goes deeper and farther out with a presumably larger recording budget.

This release mixes originals and a greater percentage of interpretations, and above all else is a jazz album. Moved by the younger generation of musicians who know their history and how to recontextualize it with skill and invention, Bailey places himself at the center of a gathering that welcomes keyboardist and co-producer Robert Glasper, saxophonist Kamasi Washington, and bassists Christian McBride and Derrick Hodge. He makes it multi-generational with Chick Corea and Kenny Barron also on keys, and Steve Gadd on drums

TRACKS:

• SIDE A:
• A1. Billy Jack
• A2. You're Everything
• A3. We're A Winner

• SIDE B:
• B1. Stairway To The Stars
• B2. Brooklyn Blues
• B3. Once In A Liftime

• SIDE C:
• C1. Just To Keep You Satisfied
• C2. Sacred Sounds

• SIDE D:
• D1. Long As You're Living
• D2. Love Will Find A Way