On Unconditional, Paul Brown, the hottest producer in smooth jazz, takes a crack at the distinctive Texas tenor saxophone of Kirk Whalum. If you overlook the connect-the-dots formula of the opening track, "Now 'Til Forever," where Boney James or any of Brown's other buddies could be inserted, the producer does a good job of letting Whalum's bright style come through the slick production sheen he applies to the 10-song CD. It's Whalum's originals--like the title track, "Song for Evan," and the clever tribute "Groverworked and Underpaid"--that are typical of the sax man's ability to easily appeal to smooth-jazz audiences and devotees of urban pop. There are traces of hip-hop on the TLC-like "I Try" and "Real Love," the latter featuring a Whitney Houston-inspired Wendy Moten on vocals. This is no hard-blowing contemporary jazz session like past Whalum releases, but rather a satisfying tempered effort that focuses strongly on production values and overall vibe. --Mark Ruffin