Urban Knights I


Urban Knights I is the debut album by the jazz group Urban Knights released in 1995 by GRP Records. The album reached No. 5 on the US Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart and No. 9 upon the UK Jazz Albums chart.

Overview

Urban Knights 1 was produced by Maurice White. Artists such as The Emotions, Freddie Hubbard, Grover Washington Jr. and Omar Hakim appear on the album. Urban Knights I also features a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's 1981 single "Wanna Be with You".

Critical reception

Langston Wentz Jr. of the Charlotte Observer wrote, "Ramsey Lewis, Grover Washington Jr., Omar Hakim and Victor Bailey all got together to make a pop-jazz album. What do you think the results would be? Each is a super talent with a super history in his own right. Together they combine the best of each other's talents. This is a sizzling piece of work. Smooth at times, mellow and electric."
Ronald Kovach of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel claimed "a few things boost this recording a big notch higher, most notably the presence of drummer Omar Hakim and bassist Victor Bailey the rhythm section during Weather Report's final three years. They are an exceptional unit, and give generous portions of this album a real kick...The music also benefits from better-than-average arrangements, impressive variety and a perfect recording."

Personnel