John Blackwell Project, 4ever Jia [JBP]

For his wide-ranging solo debut, powerhouse Prince drummer Blackwell makes the sage choice of Will Lee as his co-anchor. In addition to his pocket prowess, Lee serves as co-writer on the slick funker “Blackhouse” and the uplifting Esperanza Spalding-sung ballad “No Ordinary Day.” Will also steps out from the tight fuze feels on “Mind of J” and “Sexual Harrasment” for groovy solo turns. Meanwhile, his extended ostinato behind Blackwell’s pyrotechnics on “Jaiven” can’t help but bring to mind his demo role on Billy Cobham’s classic, Stratus.