The Jonzun Crew

Down to Earth by the Jonzun Crew was originally released on the Tommy Boy label, re-released by A&M, and is now back on Tommy Boy. All confusion aside, this funk/rock/techno album by Michael Jonzun, his former wife Princess Loria, and brothers Soni Jonzun and Maurice Starr is a highly listenable important cornerstone of Boston area music history. "Tonight's the Night" is as melodic as Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus," and as commercial, but Jonzun's work came at least two years prior to Falco. The JC cover the spectrum; "We're Going All the Way" is reshuffled Motown -- the Temptations about to turn into New Kids on the Block. Just a few years after the release of this disc, Starr and Jonzun would unleash NKOTB, the production evolution of their prior discovery, New Edition, with different faces. Here is the sound that was the formula for success. Although Michael Jonzun plays it tongue-in-cheek, this is serious rhythm & blues/pop. A shame that they did not have the opportunity that a Motown or even A&M afforded other acts. Jonzun is every bit as prolific as Prince, and a phenomenal stage performer. "You Got the Lovin'" is crossover pop with jangly guitar and keyboards that crackle. But the vocal work by the Jonzun Crew is truly what set the table for New Kids on the Block, and that vocal work makes the songs come to life. Where Private Lightning on A&M a few years earlier suffered from a less-than-adequate production of a great band -- and could have benefited from Michael Jonzun's skills (just look what he did for Peter Wolf), all the elements for a smash are here. Both record labels involved in Down to Earth had a real masterpiece on their hands, an album that works as a cohesive piece of art, but touches upon many genres. Three tracks, "Redd Hott Mama," "Lovin'," and "Skool Daze" were not on the original Tommy Boy release. "Lovin'" is exquisite R&B: an incessant bed of keys and percussion, with Jonzun's perfect voice gliding over it all. Catchy and smooth. "Mechanism" takes the band into the Kraftwerk world of industrial/dance/techno. For those who wondered why such talented guys would generate the bubblegum that Bobby Brown and the New Edition spawned, all one has to do is look at a record industry that failed to give this essential group the flexibility it deserved, and earned. Billy Loosigian of Atlantic's the Joneses and MCA's Willie Alexander & the Boom Boom Band adds guitar to "Lovin'," "You Got the Lovin'," "We're Going All the Way," and the rocking "Tonight." "Mechanism" should be blasting on classic hits radio to bring that format some much needed flavor. This record is just waiting for a new audience to discover it. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide