Will Downing is a 'Classique' artist

A health aliment nearly sidelined his singing career a year ago, but now Will Downing has bounced back with a new album that delivers a fresh, new jazzy sound.

On June 16, Downing released his latest album, "Classique," on the Peak Record label and said if all goes well the new collection of ballads will continue his long tradition of making soft R&B music.

“This album has a lot of sophisticated music,” Downing told the Defender. “And I am musically satisfied with ‘Classique.’”

His latest album offers one pulse-pounding song after another–10 in all. Selections include "More Time," which talks about finding more time for love, "Something Special" and "I Won’t Stop."

The 45-year-old New Jersey resident who originally grew up in Brooklyn said unlike many successful Black artists, he did not get his singing start at church.

“When I was growing up, choir rehearsal was on Saturdays at my church,” he recalled. “But we lived next door to a park so every Saturday I was at the park playing basketball with my friends.”

Downing compares himself to the late R&B, smooth-talking artist Luther Vandross whom Downing idolized growing up.

“Luther Vandross was the artist of all time. He knew how to sing a love song and express himself musically,” Downing said. “I see myself along those same lines and although there can be but one Luther, I think Will Downing comes pretty close to the real thing.”

Stevie Wonder was also an inspiration to Downing who said he would love to do a duet with him one day.

Had singing not worked out for Downing, he would have pursued a related career.

“I probably would have been a music producer, radio disc jockey or TV news anchor,” he said. “I have always wanted to work in the music industry so I cannot see myself doing anything else that is not within the entertainment realm.”

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