Saxophonist and singer Walter Beasley says that for his brand-new Shanachie album, Ready For Love, he wanted to create a vibe that harked back to the early work of instrumental luminaries Grover Washington Jr. and George Benson, two artists that have profoundly influences his own style as a saxophonist and as a singer.

Said Beasley: "This album -- and I say this very humbly and just thankful that I can do something that makes me feel this way -- it reminds me of, like, some of the older Grover albums. Or even one of the George Benson albums, Masquerade album or something. Every tune just kind of speaks to you, and when he opens his mouth to sing, there's a story. You're encouraged to use your imagination but at the same time when there's a vocal song that comes on you really, really listen to it and you identify with it. And that's what this album is to me. And it is my best."

The first single from the set is the title track, "Ready To Love."

For more about Walter, visit his website at:  www.walterbeasley.com.