Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway

When Roberta Flack teamed up with old friend Donny Hathaway for their 1972 self-titled duet album, the two had already established themselves as solo artists. Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway brings together Flack’s quietly intense singing and piano-playing and Hathaway\'s gospel-influenced vocalizing and songwriting talents for an album of understated elegance and simmering passion. Roberta and Donny harken back to their church choir days for “For All We Know” and a stately reading of the hymn “Come Ye Disconsolate.” They turn up the funk quotient for “Baby I Love You” and luxuriate in a jazzy mood on “Where Love Has Grown.” Surprising interpretations of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin”” (reconceived as a slow-burning soul ballad) and “You’ve Got A Friend” (marrying R&B with folk) find them taking chances. “Mood” allows Flack to shine with a meditative, classically-derived instrumental. Most of all, there’s “Where Is The Love,” the bittersweet lovers’ plea that won them a Grammy. Dim the lights, get cozy and savor this album’s magic.