Wilbert Longmire
With All My Love
Arranged By – Jay Chattaway
Written-By – M. Segal, M. Ames 5:26
A2 Hawkeye
Arranged By [Horns] – Jay Chattaway
Written-By – B. James, B. Williams, G. King, J. Chattaway, S. Khan, W. Longmire 7:33
A3 Crystal Clear
Arranged By – Jay Chattaway
Written-By – J. Chattaway 5:20
B1 Music Speaks Louder Than Words
Arranged By – Jay Chattaway
Written-By – E. Pease III, H. Payne, M. Scarpiello 4:06
B2 Take Your Time (From "Taxi")
Arranged By – Bob James
Percussion – Gilmore Digap
Written-By – B. James 6:32
B3 Just As Long As We Have Love
Arranged By – Bob James
Written-By – B. Hawes, V. Barrett 4:00
B4 Strawberry Sunset
Arranged By – Jay Chattaway
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Barry Miles
Written-By – W. Longmire 4:58
Label: Tappan Zee Records – JC 36342
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Jazz, Soul, Funk
Style: Fusion, Jazz-Funk, Soul
Wilbert Longmire's 1980 album With All My Love is highly regarded by fans of jazz-funk and smooth jazz for its warm sound, excellent musicianship, and groovy tracks, although some critics found it leaned towards a "slick smooth-jazz formula". It was Longmire's final album, produced with significant influence from Bob James on his Tappan Zee label.
The album is considered a quintessential jazz-funk/fusion album of its era, with fans recommending it to any enthusiast of the genre.
Reviewers praise the high level of musicianship throughout the album, highlighting contributions from a first-tier fusion rhythm section including Bob James, Eric Gale, Harvey Mason, and Richard Tee.
Longmire's guitar playing and occasional vocals draw frequent comparisons to George Benson, with a similar smooth, passion-filled sound.
Many listeners find the album's sound to be warm and timeless, still enjoying it years after its initial release.
Track Highlights:
"Take Your Time": This track was notably used on the television series "Taxi", for which Bob James did the music. It is described as having a down-home and relaxed groove.
"Music Speaks Louder Than Words": A favorite for many, this track is noted for its gospel soul feel and warm vocals.
"Hawkeye": Described as a stomping jazz funk track with wah-wah powered bass, it is considered one of the stronger, more energetic instrumental pieces.
"Love's Holiday": A cover of the Earth, Wind & Fire song, the album's arrangement is appreciated for offering a different, enjoyable take on the original.
Recorded in New York City at SoundMixers and Mediasound, the production features polished arrangements by Bob James and Jay Chattaway.
Longmire is backed by a cast of premier studio musicians, including: Bob James: Keyboards (Fender Rhodes, Oberheim synthesizer); Steve Khan: Acoustic and electric guitars; Gary King: Bass; Buddy Williams & Harvey Mason: Drums.
One professional critique from All About Jazz noted that while the album features a high level of musicianship, it occasionally "slip[s] into clockwork anonymity" and develops a "slick smooth-jazz formula". One user reviewer of the combined Champagne/With All My Love CD release was disappointed that the "Funshine" track was a shorter, edited version compared to the original vinyl release.
User reviews of Wilbert Longmire's 1980 album With All My Love are generally very positive, with many listeners considering it a quintessential jazz-funk/fusion album of its era. It holds an average user rating of approximately 4.13 out of 5 stars on platforms like Discogs.