CHAZZ DIXON: – Crackin’
(US Da'Soul Recordings, 2006)
I Think I’m Losin’ It – More, More, More – Girl Are You Ready – Save Me – Shake Yo’ Butt – Dreamin’ Out Of Season – I Can Let Go – Somebody’s Somebody – Wish List – I’m Happy For You – I Kinda Miss Ya – Malinda - I Kinda Miss Ya (Club Mix)
I like this company’s new spin on their sound. "The Mature Groove". Pretty much sums it up
really when compared to a lot of what we might call "cookie-cutter" R&B on the market today.
I have enthused before about this little label and what it stands for. Same with a lot of
labels, really. What touches me about this label is that it is founded on a strong working
relationship between the artists which goes beyond the music and into realms of understanding
and respect. These guys are what I would call symbiotic. This gel reminds me of the type of
powerhouse necessary to seed the next Motown, Philadelphia International etcetera.
This is Chazz Dixon’s third album in almost as many years. His last Hitsville tribute
album was FANTASTIC, and should be a staple part of your collection as its sure as hell one
quality item. Again, Chazz’s Smokey Robinson styled vocals segue intimately with the
production style of the mighty J – who you must familiarise yourself with if you have yet
to do so, and the overseeing by R G Kelly better known as Ricardo who is a
great recording artist in his own right.
The title of this 2006 effort is called "Crackin’". And crackin’ it is too. It’s a welcome
return and builds on the strengths that already exists with his previous sets. There are
more than a few songs on here that have had a repeat play here, and I am convinced that as
time goes on these gentlemen become stronger, more focussed and target specific. Surely
it cannot be long before the big time hails – although, sadly, the big time isn’t what
it used to be, or should be. From the incessant tap of the opening track – one I can
efinitely acknowledge – to the sunnier, warmer climes of "More, More, More" and the
silkier balladry of "Girl Are You Ready" we already have three strong and essential
compositions.
The gorgeously titled "Dreamin’ Out Of Season" is another winner, its slinky sashaying
backbeat topped with Chazz’s drop-dead delivery is mouth-watering in the extreme.
Not many independent artists can come up to scratch like this, but this label offers
inspiration and light in a time that is dark for those with a basic desire to be individual
and want to propagate quality on their terms. "I Can’t Let Go" deals with love’s ups and
downs in a very adult and mature way – definitely a mature lyric here, let alone in the
groove. I’m playing a lot of material from the 80s at the moment. Mid life crisis? LOL!
Who knows, but I was struck by "Somebody’s Somebody" which has a nice clappable beat circa
1987. This works for me, and that’s all that matters. "Wish List" is a sexy winner, and the
plodding Isley-ish "I’m Happy For You" also gains my approval.
As we would expect, there is a Smokey cover on here – and as I expect, it's not you’re run of
the mill, well-known song either. This time it’s a quality rendition of "Malinda". Nicely done,
Chazz. Nicely done. Please check this CD out the next time you’re surfing CD Baby.
- Barry Towler
