FL Jones has a unique background. He served as a US Marine in the Gulf, toured the world as a cast member of the Broadway musical RENT, served as an advocate for at-risk youth in inner city New York, and performed alongside artists such as James Brown, and CeCe Penniston. If that’s not enough, he also composed music for the films “200 American” and “Whirlwind.” While working full-time managing Youth Development grants for the NYC Department of Education, Jones managed to find time to record his debut solo album. His new CD is called Becoming Myself, and it’s available now.

Jones’ sound blends vintage R&B, sophisticated pop, a touch of funk (“Living by the Funk”), and a hint of disco (“I Choose You”). But Becoming Myself is more about songwriting than genre, with sweet-sounding chord progressions and arrangements, and lyrics that often take an introspective tone without becoming self-involved. Jones takes his influences equally from Prince, Stevie Wonder, Sting and Seal, and the diversity of those influences is apparent in every song.

If you haven’t already, we recommend getting to know FL Jones.