MTV Unplugged NYC 1997

Performer: Babyface
Artist: Eric Clapton; Beverly Crowder; K-Ci & JoJo; Shanice Wilson; Nathan East; Stevie Wonder; Sheila E.
Engineer: Jon Gass
Producer: Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel: Babyface, Beverly Crowder, Shanice Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Kevon Edmonds, Melvin Edmonds, Marc Nelson, Lynne Linsey, K-Ci, Jojo (vocals); Reggie Griffin (guitar, keyboards, saxophone); Eric Clapton, Michael Thompson (guitar); Wayne Linsey, Tim Carmon, Bo Watson (keyboards); Nathan East (bass); Ricky Lawson (drums); Sheila E. (percussion). Recorded live on September 25, 1997. "How Come, How Long" was nominated for the 1999 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals. Even though he's had several hits, Babyface is better-known as a producer and a songwriter than a performer, which may be the reason why he invited a number of musicians -- including Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, and Jodeci's K-Ci and JoJo -- to perform at the concert that resulted in MTV Unplugged NYC 1997. Babyface performs his solo hits and a selection of hits he has written for other artists, such as "Change the World" and "The End of the Road," delivering them all with a smooth authority that borders on slickness. And that slickness may alienate some listeners, preventing them from realizing how sturdy most of these songs are, or the suppleness of Babyface's voice. That fondness for MOR production and delivery has always been one of Babyface's primary weaknesses, surfacing even on a stripped-down live album such as this. Some fans will find this weakness excusable, but it's a little frustrating to hear that the live versions don't differ drastically from the studio cuts. It's interesting to hear him sing "The End of the Road," and since this contains many of his greatest hits, it may be of interest to some casual fans, but on the whole, MTV Unplugged is a disappointingly modest effort. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine As one of the hottest songwriter/producers of the nineties, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds has worked with such disparate artists as Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men and Eric Clapton, and is the owner of too many awards to count. He is also the co-founder of LaFace Records, home of Toni Braxton and TLC. But, fortunately for his fans, he can't be kept away from the stage, and the MTV Unplugged series provides the perfect venue for his work. In addition to his behind-the-scenes talents, Babyface has all the tools necessary to be a captivating stage performer. His voice is silky smooth and is capable of leaping from a low, sexy whisper to a supple falsetto in the space of two notes, and he's a gifted guitarist and pianist. Joining him on this occasion is a veritable who's-who of performers who have found success interpreting his songs. Eric Clapton joins him for an upbeat version of "Change The World" and the down home "Talk To Me." Shanice Wilson, K-Ci & JoJo also drop by to sing a tune or two.

Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds is one of the few achievers of a true pop-music trifecta: writer, producer, and recording artist. While penning songs for some of the biggest pop stars of the 1990s--Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, and Whitney Houston, among others--Babyface also perfected a mature, urban pop sound that marked him as one of the finest and most successful producers of the decade. A popular singer in his own right, Babyface won a best R&B vocal Grammy in 1995, and released the star-studded FACE 2 FACE in 2000.

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