Private Room
His style lodged somewhere between neo-soul revivalism and the ongoing tradition of love-man blandishment, Avant makes a good showing on his third album,Private Room. RecallingMarvin Gayein lush style, a nod to "Sexual Healing" (the whispers on "Heaven"), and even by name in one lyric ("Hooked"), he posits a derivative but pleasing stance. Most surprising is "Have Some Fun," which backs its affirmative message with an inventive, piano-led track, a snaking melody line, and a stack of vocals that tease the ear. Not everything here rises to that immaculate level, but never does the music rest on anything less than imaginative craft. Avant’s love for sound and emotion show throughout this hour-long performance--one that R&B; lovers won’t regret picking up.--Rickey Wright