Soul Express CD Review

Another talented new artist who presents us with a colourful set of ballads, dancers and some AOR inclined tunes. It is this type of artist that constantly keep me on my toes. Such a fresh sound which comprises of soulful sounds, jazzy flirtations and a nod towards the more adult pop ear. Lovers of both quality soul and those who stretch enough to enjoy the likes of, say, Seal will all appreciate this album.
Vocally, Daniel Austin comes at us with a smooth approach, gentle, yet reassuringly sturdy enough to handle the more Club orientated material. It is this type of groove which Daniel excels. "Let Me In" is an instant winner and those whop have approved of recent issues by Michael Cooper, The Fatback Band, Val Watson and the Bar Kays (review coming!) will seriously like this song. Do not be put off by the rather passé turntable scratches on the outset - this leads us into the most tasty of steppers that takes us way back to the days when you did not have to take drugs to appreciate anything that is supposed to be dance music!
"Something About You" will have the old toes tapping and the sound will remind you of the better dance tracks such as "Magic'" from Sean Oliver a few years back. This is another soulful groover that will not disappoint. Those of you who have a liking for the Atlanta Artists sounds of Larry Blackmon and Cameo will connect with the rumbling Funk of the title song. I head straight back to 1986 with this song and I hear elements of Cashflow's "Mine All Mine" and Barbara Mitchell's "High On Love" within this track. I love this to bits and have it in heavy rotation at home and in the car.
As far as ballads are concerned, "Islands" with its jazzy saxophone courtesy of Henry Alexander is top-drawer indeed. Subtle, warm and summery this would not be out of place on an early 90s Najee / Vincent Henry album. "Undermined" and the more upbeat "Don't Wait For Love" would appeal more to those who like artists such as Seal, and although I don't mind this I have to say that I am no great fan of Seal, but have appreciated a number of his songs.
More up my street is the gorgeous "Dreamer" which is infused with some funky slap bass and stabbing piano and would appeal more to lovers of quality late 80s jazzy soul material. "Fire And Ice" rates highly in my book also, and its racier, expansive feel is fresh with a jazzy streak. I could hear this track on a Bob Baldwin album or someone of that vein. In fact, I would say that Daniel has a shade of Porter Carroll Jr in his voice, as displayed in this song. "Haven't You Heard" is an 80s stepper that owes more to Prince than anything else, and isn't a bad track to boot.
This CD is very well crafted and exceeds many independent sets that can be found on the market today. Worth checking out.
- Barry Towler