Time Together (VP, 2000)

It's easy to overlook Benjy Myaz; his unassuming look and sound don't make him stand out as a big draw.  As such, I only happened upon Time Together by accident, and I found it to be a pleasant surprise.  Lovers rock is the name of Myaz' game, and here he displays a uniquely '80s/early '90s R&B edge to his music.  The melodies he crafts are soulful and romantic without being saccharine, the only exception being the opening track, "Surrender All," a lethargic, sappy Peabo Bryson-esque ballad.   From then on, he settles into a solid lovers groove, with tracks like "Time," "Special Occasion," "Give It Up," "Lover's Paradise," and the smooth jazzy title cut.  A bit different but still good are the Freddie McGregor-penned "Slow Down," with its Barrington Levy feel, and the fiery, cultural Morgan Heritage-ish "Rise Up," a style to which Myaz adapts himself well.  Not all of the tunes on Time Together are as good as these, but there are enough here to support the album.