How does an artist who rose to prominence “yesterday” stay relevant “today” or for that matter “tomorrow”? It’s been said that creativity keeps long-term relationships fresh, interesting and exciting. Recording artist Will Downing obviously believes in applying that same principle to the relationship he’s enjoyed over the years with his many loyal fans. Ever evolving and unafraid to push the sonic envelope closer to the edge, Downing follows up his 2010 release Lust, Love and Lies “audio novel” concept with an innovative “musical trilogy” entitled Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

This release represents a bold strategy to hit the moving target that is today’s music consumer. The ones from Yesterday that watched their Mom & Pop record retail stores give way to big box CD chains as well as those from Today that watched the CD chains give way to online MP3 downloads. Most importantly it seeks to get one step ahead of the customer of Tomorrow, struggling through information overload to find the music they love through traditional channels and facing the financial and moral decisions presented by digital Internet options.

To that effect, Will Downing’s Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow represents the artist’s first independent release and will fittingly be delivered in a revived format of yesterday, the EP. So named for its Extended Play, the EP is more than a single but less than a full album and in this case will represent three brilliant four-song releases that will be delivered over the course of a year.

Music lovers left hungry for something grown and sexy should rejoice over these bite-sized creations. As the name suggests, the first EP, “Yesterday”, will be the appetizer, focusing on some of Will Downing’s favorite re-makes or as he refers to them, “interpretations”, of songs of yesterday , delivered seamlessly with both his signature stylings and a deep respect for the original. The listener will be treated to an absolute classic Quiet Storm R&B set as Downing puts his stamp on The Delfonics’ – La La Means I Love You, Smokey Robinson’s – Ooh Baby Baby, Angela Bofill’s – This Time I’ll Be Sweeter and the project’s first single, the Atlantic Starr signature slow jam – Send For Me. In hand-picking these selections, Downing insightfully notes that “each song interprets love from a different point of view”.

The main course, “Today”, will arrive around Valentine’s Day 2012, and will showcase Will Downing’s well earned status as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul. Dessert gets served in the form of the projected Summer 2012 release of “Tomorrow”, which will feature Downing venturing slightly outside of the box in which some might expect him to remain.

The musical trilogy Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow represents a rare display of an artist in complete touch with his craft, his audience and the changing times that currently influence both. For the consumer, the uniquely staggered time-release schedule will keep the fresh product coming while offering the experience of focusing more deeply on fewer songs at a reduced cost to acquire. This time around, the anticipated song creations that will serve to complete the trilogy are part of the intrigue and mystique of the release. However, given the considerable quality of the body of work that is Will Downing’s “yesterday”, there is little reason to expect anything less, today, tomorrow or ever!

Yesterday EP

1. La La Means I Love You [04:53]
2. Send for Me [04:48]
3. This Time I'll Be Sweeter [04:11]
4. Ooh Baby Baby [05:09]

Yeah, I mentioned this a while ago. No comments. I don't think Will has too many fans on here.

His voice is so smooth.

I love Will Downing.