Every story has an arc, and love stories are no different. There's the initial encounter, the flirtation, the first date, the escalation, the passion...and then the map gets a little fuzzy. What comes next is hard to predict - rock-solid commitment and eternal devotion for some, disillusionment or even betrayal for others. Some stories end happily ever after, some not so much.

Vocalist Will Downing has a tale of love to tell. It may or may not be based on a true story, but it's one that we've all lived through at one time or another. Downing's version, Lust, Love and Lies (An Audio Novel) - which he fondly calls "an audio soap opera," complete with intermittent vignettes of intimate conversations that help move the story along - includes elements of comedy, tragedy and all the subtle shades in between.

"This record had actually been coming together in my mind for five years," says Downing. "I just didn't know how to go about it at first. Then when I first started writing the songs, it started to make sense as a story. I'd never made a record like this before. I had always sort of erred on the side of caution and safety when making records. This was the first time I said, `You know what? Let's just do something completely different.'"

Aided primarily by co-producers Rex Rideout and Chris "Big Dog" Davis (who also plays keyboards throughout the set), guitarist Randy Bowland and bassist Anthony Jackson - along with a number of guest players and vocalists - Downing settles into a groove that's more straightahead R&B than any of his recordings to date.

"I think people sometime don't know how to categorize my music," says Downing. "It's soulful, but it's also slightly jazzy. It's a blend of so many things. But I think this album solidifies what I'm doing and where I'm going. It locks into a groove and says, `Okay, this is an R&B record.' It'll be interesting to see how longtime listeners react, and whether any new folks will come on board."

Taking his inspiration from the French term Classique - an author, artist or work of art, of the highest excellence - Will Downing returns with his 14th collection of sensual grooves and true love primers. Classique is his second album for Peak Records and a triumphant encore presentation following the challenges he faced creating his Peak debut, After Tonight (recorded while battling the muscle disorder Polymyositis). Back in top form, Downing's sensitive touch is felt throughout the project - singing, writing, arranging and producing, the latter mostly in collaboration with his dear friend and much-in-demand ace Rex Rideout. Uniquely gifted with an unmatched arsenal of velvet lows and silky falsetto highs, few can challenge the growing belief that this versatile crooner is the rightful heir to the Smooth R&B throne.

Downing's 13 track CD from 1995.

Just one note.... and you instantly know "That Voice". A voice that melts like warm chocolate syrup over his growing legion of adoring fans, who will tell you that no one sounds like Will Downing". The`80s and `90s introduced a number of suave and stylish soul men to the music world. However, the passage of time has imperatively proven that one man has weathered the storms of shifting tastes and industry longevity to stake his claim as heir to the throne of silky soul royalty. That man is Will Downing, the sensual musical masseuse of the midnight hour and a favorite of discriminating women the world over. In possession of the smoothest, most soothing baritone in all of rhythm and romance, he is a descendant of jazzy soul vocal artists Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Barry White. Now with his Peak Records debut, After Tonight, multi-million-seller Will Downing cements his position as one of the preeminent R & B singers in the world.

Will Downing moves to a new label and takes romance to new heights on Sensual Journey. The dynamic singer/songwriter and producer is joined by a stellar constellation of musical stars on 11 inspired ballads that will warm even the coldest heart. Downing's proven composing skills are again at their best on such heartfelt tunes as "Home," "Almost Like Being in Love," and "Maybe," to attest to his ability to tell a great story. Best bets are the radio friendly "Cool Water" and"Can't Help It," which present Downing's sophisticated baritone vocals in undiscovered arrangements. Another emphatic arrangement is the mellifluous approach to Brenda Russell's "Don't You Talk to Me Like That," which features Vinx's unique scatting and Downing's one-of-a-kind interpretation of a very personal matter. Despite its title, it is one of the prettiest tunes on the CD because of Stefon Harris' sensitive vibraphone solo. As the CD closes, Will Downing takes his listeners from Brooklyn to the Caribbean via the inspired "Brooklyn Breezes" -- which he co-penned with Kashif -- and "Bolero Nova," a slow, sentimental bolero done with a modern spin. Downing definitely captures the essence of contemporary jazz, classic R&B-soul singing, and the Latin tinge on this excellent recording of his vocal mastery. And so another theme, another concept for the continuing journey into Downing's vast repertory. However, these 11 stories of love with their beautiful harmonies and lush melodies set Sensual Journey apart from his previous efforts because of the splendid musical accompaniment and variety of gorgeous ballads. -All Music Guide