Soul Express CD Review

The 1980s brought with it a more vocal side of Ronnie Laws. Hurrah to that say I! I think that Ronnie is much underrated a s a vocalist and well under used to boot. His sax and his vocals are easily distinguishable from the amorphous mulch of drear saxophonists that have appeared under the Smooth Jazz banner. I guess what I am saying is that Ronnie is unique. that's a special accolade. This was Ronnie's first 'electronic' album, so to speak and was a clear departure from his 'live sounds' of "Solid Ground" and his predecessors. I have no problem with this at all as long as it is expertly done and is, of course, tasteful.
No less can be said of this album, and I would say it is one of my personal favourites of his BUT it contains by far my most favourite song of his. I adored "Big Stars" the second I heard it and love it today as much as I did back in 1983. The opening salvo from the sea gulls sets the scene for a delicious, elementary summer groove that is second to none. The usage of synthesiser on this song is what I deem expansive...few can create such an aurific atmosphere with keyboards and when they do the result is pure magic.
Apart from Ronnie Laws I think only Dexter Wansel has managed to do this - think "First Light Of The Morning" and any song from the ground-breaking "Life On Mars" album. I always connect Ronnie's sax with the summertime. I think this song helped cement that into my consciousness. Essential for this alone. When I played this on CD I had, in the process, overlooked the vinyl album for many years and had forgotten some of the other superb tracks contained therein. Imagine my sheer delight to rediscover the superb pop-soul of "Can't Save Tomorrow"; infectious with a garrulous beat and soulful, soulful vocals. This song is 80s happiness all wrapped into 4 minutes and 10 seconds. Needless to say I have flogged this one on the old CD player. It has 2 new fans in my wife and daughter too who have both heard it for the first time!
A popular favourite on radio was "In The Groove" and again stands testament to the 80s soul jazz fusion movement. This is staple Jeff Lorber material and would not be out of place on his "It's A Fact" album (also available on CD from Japan!). More Jeff Lorber-ish sentiments can be found on "You" which also features Larry Dunn! The expansive and all encompassing cosmic vibe of ""Rolling" cannot be beaten and Ronnie's sax is almost pleading and earnest. An interesting inclusion is his cover of Jr. Walker's "What Does It Take" which is admirably covered, but not, of course, able to touch the original Motown classic.
It is my dearest wish that "Every Generation" be released on CD soon...the title song and "Gotta Get Back To Houston" are other favourites of mine. Come on Capitol, let's keep this sterling effort up!
- Barry Towler