Soul Express CD Review

It was only bavck in the summer that I was enthusing over his superb "Back To The Groove" set, and was very surprised to receive this CD so soon, hot on the heals. I must say that hot is a very appropriate word to describe this album. I have to say that I am sick to the back teeth with artists doing albums of cover versions - Jamie Cullum, Michael Bubble and the rest - and bemoan the whole pop idol thing. However, when an exceptional album arises then it is with gusto that I will trumpet it. I looked at the titles on this CD and this alone aroused my curiosity. We are not simply dealing with the obvious classic pop hits that we all know and love, but we have a selection of superb Motown tunes that are not so obvious, especially from a more commercial point of view.

Secondly what took my breath away was the sheer quality of the album. This has been conceived with love, deep respect, knowledge and a perfect attention to detail. Chazz Dixon and his producer, J, have not simply covered these songs in some dreary tribute format, but have ripped the guts of the songs apart and have recreated them with the same passion, ear and vogue of the original hitmakers themselves. Motown was a company borne out of frustration with the recording industry, and so too it seems has Da Soul Recordings. It is this raw frustration and overflowing talent, brimming optimism and dedication to their listeners, their craft and the heritage of quality black music that these gentlemen have entered the studio. I suppose that what we are looking at here is a seriously essential album. Imagine Smokey Robinson walking into a studio making a cover of Motown songs in a modern style, with traditional sensibilities, then that is the essence of what "Hitsville..." is all about. I love every song on display here. The enjoyment is hearing the new arrangements of old classics, the meticulous and the smooth, sensuous, delicate vocal skills that Chazz uses to caress the arrangements.

Some feel smooth as silk, others forceful with a real urgency of grabbing our attention. I for one was grabbed, big time from the word go with "Smilg Faces Sometimes". I have not heard a cover version of this classic by The Undisputed Truth covered so well. This could be Smokey singing this. Unbelievable. With Chazz' definate similarity to a Smokey Robinson it is not surprising that a fair few ogf the legend's hits are covered: "Choosy Begger"; "Here I Go Again", "The One Who Really Loves You", "You Must Be Love" and so on. However, my favourite moments are not these, great as they are.

I have heard various covers of Marvin Gaye over the years, some better than others, but I cannot enthuse more about the exquistite, beautiful, original take on Marvin's "You Sure Love To Ball". Wow! This is what the doctor ordered! His version, also, of Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers' "Does Your Mama Know About Me" is simply sublime. I can't thank you enough for this, guys. Great, great song and admirably executed. There is a slight Zapp feel with the synth/vocals in the backing. This is a true Motown classic and is oft ignored or forgotten. We are treated to an original, new, song at the end, "That Won't Stop Me (From Loving You)" and that is excellent, too, closing this CD splendidly. I cannot recommend this enough and many I have exposed this to have been very impressed with it. This will soon be available for Christmas from CD Baby. And rightly so. Essential.
- Barry Towler