This week I had the opportunity to hear new albums by two artists whose work and reputations are currently gathering steam. While their respective styles and approach have fundamental differences, their shared homebase (Massachusetts) and passion for their art warranted a dual review.

Remember those days, in the prime of the ‘Quiet Storm’ era, when Quincy Jones would assemble a barrage of great talent, and showcase them to maximum effect on an album? That was only one nostalgic aspect of many to be found on songwriter James Day’s new release, BETTER DAYS. It seems I’m not the only one pining for those days.

While Q had the likes of Patti Austin and James Ingram at the helm of his songs, Day has put together a collection that gives a fresh crop of vocalists a lush, admirable springboard for their talents. One listen, and it’s obvious this is a guy who MUST have his songs delivered by a great singer, and no less.

And he finds them. The voice most constantly present (roughly half the album) is that of the terrific Audrey Wheeler, who skillfully navigates through uptempo (”Brick By Brick”, which somehow manages to be both inspirational AND sexy) and ballad (she’s particularly touching on “She’s Not the Girl”).

The other guests on the album are a credit to Day’s songs, as well. A bright, affectionate nod to those mid-tempo R&B cuts that Luther and Freddie Jackson excelled at is “Don’t Waste the Pretty”, featuring a commanding vocal from Jeff Ramsey (and a noteworthy background vocal by up-and-coming artist Anthony Dixon). Ramsey is likewise in fine form on “Can’t Argue Like This”, a duet where he is matched by Brown Baby Girl’s phenomonal Lorenda Robinson.

With additional contributions by Jill Zadeh and Catherine Russell (who provides a tender vocal on the wistful “Remember When”), among others, BETTER DAYS is overall a welcome album, for those who might also be pining for a time when music was simple, clear, and resonated strongly. Day proves that, sometimes, it still does.

On the other end of the musical spectrum lies saxophonist Victor Valente’s NEW LIFE, followup to his debut, OFF THE CANVAS. For those who had opportunity to hear that album, I cannot express enough that this is no sequel. Appropriately titled, OFF THE CANVAS played at times like a brief, Jazz Opera version of ROCKY, with all its’ grit and rough edges; a man fighting to bounce back, to conquer both love and the world, with the element of Valente’s Hip Hop-influenced past figuring prominently.

On NEW LIFE, Valente fashions a more polished landscape, without dispensing of the raw appeal that made OFF THE CANVAS an enjoyable listen. The artist is still evolving, but life experience has handed a greater sense of depth, of knowing. Few experiences change a person more than the birth of their first child, and Valente is no exception. This becomes obvious in the opening cut, “Nyjuan Lee” (named after his newborn son). Alone with his sax, outdoors, he could be busking, or just playing for his own pleasure. Regardless of the scenario, the mood is clear- joy.

The tone of his instrument is more contemplative and measured this time around, and as evidenced on cuts such as “Message From Heaven” and “To the Man Behind the Stars”, alternately mellow and charged. The album closer, “No One in This World”, sweetly veers toward the mellow, smoothly gliding off into the night (or day, depending on when you’re listening).

NEW LIFE features a more organic feel, largely through the participation of collaborator Peter Arteaga. It also has the same brevity that made OFF THE CANVAS compelling without straying into tedium. The result of all the effort involved is an enjoyable glimpse into the life of an artist who, as evidenced on NEW LIFE, has every reason to joyfully play on.

(James Day can be seen and heard at http://www.myspace.com/jamesdaybiz. His album is currently available at http://www.cdbaby.com/, and will be distributed through Ryko next month.)

(Victor Valente can be seen and heard at http://www.myspace.com/37710458. You can also visit his homepage,  http://www.victorvalente.faithweb.com for show updates and info on his album release.)