Sly & The Family Stone The Essential Sly & The Family Stone (2003)

Goldenlane's CD release of Strawberry Letter 23: Live documents a special live performance by the Brothers Johnson. The Brothers performed live at radio station KBLX's Stone Soul Picnic in Oakland, CA, on Memorial Day 2003, and that's the performance documented here, While the Brothers are long past their prime here, it's nice to have this special performance documented, especially for longtime fans hungry for additional material. This particular performance is most noteworthy for its covers: a pair of Sly & the Family Stone classics ("Family Affair," "If You Want Me to Stay") and Cameo's "Word Up." Overall, this is a nice addition to the Brothers Johnson catalog, even if it's far from essential.

Although Charnett Moffett has considerable potential as a musician and a composer, he hasn't always lived up to it. The acoustic/electric bassist has recorded some excellent albums (including Planet Home and Still Life, both on Evidence), but he has come out with some weak, forgettable ones as well; Beauty Within is arguably the worst offender. Moffett can be great as a post-bop, fusion, or avant-garde player, although some of his contributions to smooth jazz in the late '80s and early '90s were downright embarrassing. For the Love of Peace, thankfully, is among his more noteworthy efforts. Most of this 2003 date falls into the acoustic post-bop category, and Moffett (who wrote all of the material himself) brings a highly spiritual outlook to this project.