How Does Brandy’s ‘He Is’ Sound as a Jazz Song?
Jazz trumpeter Dontae Winslow’s new album “Enter the Dynasty” includes an amazing cover of an R&B classic – Brandy’s 2002 hit “He Is.”
Yahoo Music offers a first listen to the track via an exclusive preview.
Dontae’s rendition, recorded with “He Is” songwriter Warryn Campbell, still captures the original gospel pianos but uses his instrument to replicate Brandy’s vocals.
This new version released Tuesday (ironically, Brandy’s 35th birthday) is a bit more serene, devoid of the drum and bass undertones on the version that appears on the pop star’s third album, “Full Moon.” Near the song’s end, Mashica sings one verse.
In a post on his Facebook page, Dontae explains his connection to the recording. “The song touches me because it’s a religious love song whose haunting melody invites passion and longing,” he wrote. “It’s a best kept secret kind of song that many R&B fans find as a cultural underground phenomenon.”
The 11-song album also includes collabs with Roy Hargrove, Questlove and Chick Corea.
Dontae has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar.