Soul Express CD Review

This is EXACTLY the type of quality black music I want to hear in 2005! Much of the set is rich in real instrumentation in the vein of Ledisi or N'Dambi and vocally very soulful and very jazzy in equal measure. Rhonda Thomas hails from Atlanta and has sung alongside luminaries such as India Arie and Donnie, and is part of a group called Jiva. Being honest, I was pulled back to 1984 when I heard this album - this has a great quality Columbia Records feel and I am thinking of albums by Rodney Franklin, Ramsey Lewis and Philip Bailey from that era.

If the very first song does not grab you immediately then there is something seriously wrong with your hearing, folks! The incredible mix of synth, rhodes, bassline and vocals from Rhonda Thomas that are as exact as they are carefree. This really is a fantastic track, and I was doubly smitten with the KILLER mid 80s swayer, "Passion Plea" which will definitely appeal to lovers of the so-called "Neo Soul" sounds of Ledisi, or even Tiffany Laing from her latest gospel set. I especially adore the keyboard work on this track and thanks to O J Harper for this.

"Breath New Life" is reminiscent of the essential 1997 album from Adriana Evans although this song utilises real instrumentation and relies on no programming at all. I can imagine Steve Harvey raising a glass to this set, its definitely in his bag. Passing the more programmed tracks we arrive back with the simple and acoustic "Peaceful Blessings" which is similar to the music of one of Soul Express’ faves of 2004 - Emerald Jade.

Jazzy soul lovers will connect with "Just A Phase" which reminds me of one of Incognito's better moments, but MUCH better. The raspy flute and horns really make this something quite tantalising. "Kiss Your Smile" is a solid track which has a great "wall of sound" type of feel courtesy of percussion and bass by Nakayo and Kurt Mitchell; a tune very much designed for a summer day, I think you'll agree. I mention Ramsey Lewis in passing. "The Matrimony" really smacks of the exquisite type of vocal ballad that he would have recorded under the guidance of Dr. George Butler circa 1984. This is a KILLER ballad and features a spine-tingling ballad between Rhonda and a FANTASTIC vocalist called Alex Lattimore. I want to hear more of this man on record. His spoken parts remind me of Blue Lovett's delivery from The Manhattans, or Michael McCary of Boyz II Men. Oh, it is listening to SUPERB albums such as this that my faith in music is kept alive.

I cannot recommend this CD enough. It is magic, of a very high calibre and meets all my criteria for being an essential purchase. Please do NOT overlook - head to www.cdbaby.com or www.rhonvocals.com and check Rhonda Thomas out NOW.
- Barry Towler