Chicago native and platinum-selling R&B star, Carl Thomas gave us R&B music that was reminiscent of the golden days of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and Otis Redding but with a modern day edge. Who could forget the cinematic Emotional released in 2000 that made any serious R&B crooner step up their game. Now he’s back and under the tutelage of the legendary music man Jheryl Busby’s Umbrella Recordings and Hit maker Mike City’s Unsung Entertainment for a one-off deal with his new soulful disc So Much Better set for release on June 5th, 2007. The new single from So Much Better, “2 Pieces,” is already having success at radio as the #1 most added single at Urban AC. On “2 Pieces” Thomas expresses raw intensity on the track with sweet lyrics about the woman he loves. “Baby I can’t take the thought of losing you/cause I know that it would break, break my heart in 2 pieces.” In addition to releasing the new disc on his label, Unsung Entertainment’s Mike City is the producer that gave us Carl Thomas’ stellar hits “I Wish” and “You Ain’t Right” from Emotional and has produced seven songs on So Much Better. Other producers on the disc include: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis with Big Jim Wright, Bryan Michael Cox, and up and coming producing team, Pitch Black. Guest features include: Brandy, Dave Hollister, and Lalah Hathaway. “In addition to being collaborators, Carl and I are long-time friends. We decided that while he was in between deals we would do an album together which would be released on my Unsung Entertainment label. Thanks to Carl and Mr. Busby, who gave us the one-off deal, on his Umbrella Recordings imprint, I am able to launch my label with a major star,” states Mike City. On So Much Better, Carl Thomas keeps it sweet, but with an edge of street on “Another You” which serves as an aural testimonial to the object of his desire. The melodic and hypnotic sounds of “Something About You,” sounds like nothing else currently blaring from the radio. Featuring vocals from Brandy, “Something About You” is a timeless song that embraces the best of pop and soul. Umbrella Recordings’ first release was on five decade diva Patti Labelle where she released her first gospel album, The Gospel According to Patti Labelle which has been in the Top 5 on Billboard’s “Top Gospel Albums” chart for 14 weeks and held the number one spot for 10 weeks. “To have Carl Thomas as our second release is truly a blessing.” says Busby, “He is the ultimate male soul singer of the day and we are very pleased that he decided to help his friend and do a one off deal with us. I am certain that this record will help to further cultivate his career and solidify his growth for his next deal.” For the latest news on Carl Thomas be sure to check out his myspace page www.myspace.com/carlthomasfanpage