Raphael Saadiq Releases “Jimmy Lee”

Multi-instrumentalist Raphael Saadiq has returned with his first new album in eight years. Jimmy Lee is a darker turn for the neo-soul star and serves partly as a reflection of his brother, who died of a heroin overdose.

“When I came along, Jimmy was, well, he was pretty much an addict at that time,” Saadiq told NPR. “But being a kid, you don’t know what an addict is. So, I saw him as being pretty normal. I might have thought maybe he was an alcoholic or something … I didn’t know anything about heroin. The record is not really about just Jimmy Lee. It’s more about everybody has a Jimmy Lee in their life, you know? It’s universal.”

Saadiq cut his teeth in Sheila E’s band backing band and gained fame fronting Tony! Toni! Toné! before striking out in his solo career. He’s played bass all along and laid down the low end for his latest album. Check out his playing with this video for “Something Keeps Calling” featuring Rob Bacon:

Jimmy Lee is available now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

Jimmy Lee Track List:

1. Sinners Prayer
2. So Ready
3. This World is Drunk
4. Something Keeps Calling
5. Kings Fall
6. I’m Feeling Love
7. My Walk
8. Belongs to God
9. Dottie Interlude
10. Glory to the Veins
11. Rikers Island
12. Rikers Island Redux
13. Rearview