All CD's reviewed by Glenn Hoskins & Barry Towler
exclusively for RECORD CORNER, which is one of the leading
soul shops in the world. These reviews are not featured in our
printed issue.
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AL JOHNSON
My Heart Is an Open Book (US Committee Records)
1) This, That and the Other 2) Why 3) Here's
Lookin' at You 4) Tell Me Again 5) Do You Really Love Me 6) My
Heart Is an Open Book 7) Tranquility 8) This Last Time 9) You Hit
Me Where It Hurts 10) Anything This Wonderful 11) Never Like This
Again
This is a classic album by anybody's standards. What a CD
to kick off 1999! Vocally, the man has lost nothing of that
timeless quality and grace an in this release I hear some
tantalising extras that are very much in the vein of Gerald
Alston and even The Whispers. As far as
the music is concerned check out This, That and the Other which
is a hands down winner of a midtempo stepper with the Alston /
Whispers element very much to the fore. A more '90s sound
embraces us on the exciting Why and the man executes it
very stylish indeed.
There are, for my humble ears at least three monster knee
tremblers on here - the first being the ultimate soul drenched
outing Here's Lookin' at You which is so standout that
it may as well be 3D. Next in this much exalted category is Anything
This Wonderful with its tender musical background and
sensuous lyrics is only surpassed by the depth of soul that the
man brings to the cut - unmissable!
Again, the epic Never Like This Again is fronted by a
spine tingling instrumental intro that will guarantee to chill
the spine and prepare you for a near-on 8 minute slab of 100 %
real soul that will have you begging for more. Please don't allow
these cuts to overshadow the rest of the CD. The Rick
Webb-ish Tell Me Again and Do You Really
Love Me are superb toe tappers and the title cut could
easily be taken from Gerald Alston's first Motown set - and that
is class! The 80s styled Tranquility is an absolute
dream as is the indie-sounding Last Time.
I dare anybody reading this not fall in love with this GEM of a
soul album from one of the real giants in the soul music world.
Rated essential sophistisoul.
J.K.
What's The Word (US Verve)
1) Off the Hook 2) What's the Word 3) Gina 4)
Ain't It Good to Know 5) In the Pocket 6) Love Jones 7) In My
Bedroom 8) She's Got Somethin' 9) So Sorry 10) Say Love Say When
11) This Must Be Love 12) Seduction
For those of you who happily purchased therecent sets by Impromp2,
Nu Soul Habits, Vertical Hold or even the last Family
Stand then I would say with a high degree of certainty that
this album will be in your bag. This album is reliant on real
musicianship, quality tunes and soulful vocals. Oddly enough,
this CD surfaces on the Verve label and is suggested to be filed
under "Smooth Jazz". A new name for jazz-fusion or some
new hybrid for us to enjoy (as opposed to endure!).
There is also a bluesy touch that streaks through this set - the
guitar especially plays on this. There are lots of hammond organ
for those who like that sort of thing, and the good old saxophone
plays a major part, too. It is the vocals that please me the
most. The CD is consistent and there are no real negative points.
After the opening instrumental there is a gorgeous semi-vocalised
vibes infiltrated toe tapper What's the Word. You will
love this.
Gina has some interesting keyboard touches at the start
that remind me of Dexter Wansel's material from the Life
on Mars set. Is your mouth watering yet? Well, if not then go
straight to the funky plodder Love Jones which smacks of Impromp2's
Let Me Take You Away bassline. The MONSTER on here is the
sensuous and seductive Wansel-esq In My Bedroom. The
classic sound of Al Jarreau circa 1980 can be found of
another monster, She's Got Something. The opening
keyboards smack of Jarreau and the vocals ring of Impromp2 circa
their BEST set from 1995. This is a choice summer tune if ever
I've heard one. The funky So Sorry with its bluesy guitar
and organ is more towards the Family Stand than anyone else that
spring to mind. So, as far as this set is concerned - consider it
as ESSENTIAL.
DIONNE WARWICK
Dionne Sings Dionne (US River North Records)
Walk On By - Love Begins With You - Reach Out For
Me - High Upon This Love - I Say A Little Prayer For You - Always
Something There To Remind Me - If I Want To - Aquarela do Brazil
- I Promise You - Be My Neighbor - All Kinds Of People - What The
World Needs Now Is Love - Do You Know The Way To San Jose -
Humbly I Pray
A big thank-you to Soul Express for making me aware of
this absolute GEM of a CD. CDs like this fail to grab the
attention of most people unless they are made ware of how good it
is - and take it from me this CD is essential! Apart from 3 cuts
this album sees the Lady creating her early hits and some other
later tunes but in a more contemporary and quality fashion. If
you hark back to how The Temptations handled
their For Lovers Only set, or how Leroy Hutson
worked The Look of Love, then you'll be interested. With
a host of producers including George Duke and Zane
Giles, and guests including El DeBarge, DeBarge,
The Emotions, Jonathan Butler and Tyrese, the
tapestry woven is rich, luxuriant and as such no respecting fan
of the Lady, or soul fan for that matter should overlook this
mandatory CD.
For some people, remakes of Walk on By, Reach Out for Me, Say
a Little Prayer and Always Something There to Remind Me would
be unimaginable, but assure yourselves that the end result is
absolute magic. Walk on By is a classy '90s stepper that
lends from the original, as does Reach out for Me and Say
a Little Prayer has been thoroughly reworked into a classic
slab of '90s quiet storm.
El DeBarge and The Emotions sparkle on Reach out for Me
and Jonathan Butler adds a touch of his South African roots to Always
Something There to Remind Me adding a fresh angle on the
classic tune. Be My Neighbor with Tyrese is top-drawer
material indeed, and so are the Latin cuts, Aqualea Do Brazil
and the lively Samba remake of Do You Know the Way to
San Jose. Of the new songs, Love Begins with You
smacks of Nancy Wilson at her very best.
I am grateful to have been made aware of this CD and having heard
it, cannot be without. Sophisticated and unmissable.
PATTI AUSTIN
In And Out Of Love
(US Concord Vista)
In & Out Of Love - Don't Go Away - Totally
Unacceptable - Once In A Lifetime - If We're Not In Love - Why
You Wanna Be Like That - I'll Never Get Over You - Do-Si-Doe-In'
- I Offer You Love - Maybe - Summer Breeze - I Will Be There
If you were unable to buy this lady's Jap only Jukebox
Dreams from last year, then you will be saddened to find out
that it is no longer readily available. However, her `new' US
release contains no less than 8 cuts from the Japanese CD, 6 of
which are essential. Sadly, the killer dancer, I Musta Been
Dreamin' is not included here, but such is life!
There are, however, 4 new cuts, 2 of which are absolutely
essential and should not be missed. OK, if you did buy the Pony
Canyon release you may not want to splash out on 2 new tracks,
but I feel that would be a great shame. For a start, In &
Out Of Love is a real belter of a track, and rates as high as
any of Patti's better, and more soulful offerings; a midtempo
plodder that explores the uncertainty of love; addictive as a
track and very more-ish to boot.
The second new cut is Totally Unacceptable - funky tapper
that suits Patti very well and is well crafted for the lady's
vocal style without drowning her classiness. Definitely
acceptable!!!
The other tracks will be familiar to dedicated Lowdown
readers, but if not, you're in for a real treat. These tracks
represent some purely divine moments in the lady's musical career
and are her best performances in years. The KILLER Narada
Michael Walden track Why You Wanna Be Like That is
included as well as the superbly soulful midtempo classic, If
We're Not in Love. So, worth a purchase for at least two
reasons: if either you don't own the original 1997 release and
also for the two new tracks. Reason enough, methinks! ESSENTIAL.
KENNY LATTIMORE
From the Soul of Man
(US Columbia)
Days Like This - Trial Separation - If I Lose My
Woman - Make Believe - Just Can't Get Over You - I Love You More
Than You'll Ever Know - Destint - Tomorrow - While My Guitar
Gently Weeps - Heaven and Earth - All My Tomorrows - Interlude:
Introspective Mood - Well Done - Love Will Find a Way
Kenny's second Columbia set is far more laid back,
mature and aimed at the more adult orientated listener than his
excellent debut. That set had its highlights such as Never too
Busy, Forgiveness, Always Remember and Climb the Mountain,
and if you can confer with my opinion on such tracks then you
will be pleased to know that there are equivalent and seriously
classy tracks such as these on here. Ballads such as Days Like
This, Make Believe, Just Can't Get Over You, Tomorrow and the
plodding upbeat Destiny are the cuts that will gain much
admiration from the more elite listeners among us.
However, I have to be honest with you in saying that a lot of the
other inclusions I found dreary, plodding and left me wondering
what dear old Columbia had in mind for this ultra-talented singer
/ songwriter / producer. Lots of tracks tended to lose identity
in amorphous musical mulch and for that I am rather saddened.
However this must not take away the fact that there are more than
enough top-drawer cuts to feed for quality '90s soul music. For
starters, the acoustic Days Like This opens the album up
in very fine fashion and is one of my favourites. Hot on the
heels of this is the ever-so soulful and delightful Make
Believe which was overseen by the mega-talented Barry J.
Eastmond. Similarly, Just Can't Get Over You follows a
similar pattern - smooth, sophisticated and of course, essential.
If you love a CD that allows you to put your feet up with the
lights lowered then this is a CD for you. For me, though I felt
that as a whole what is needed is a little more daylight to break
up the metaphorical darkness. Not to be ignored. though.
TERRY CALLIER
Timepeace
(Verve Forecast / Talkin' Loud)
Ride Suite Ride (Intro) - Lazarus Man - Keep Your
Heart Right - Java Sparrow - People Get Ready / Brotherly Love -
Love Theme From Spartacus - No More Blues - Timepeace - Following
Your Footprints - C'Est La Vie - Coyote Moon - AKA New York Al -
Traitor To The Race
Terry Callier is somewhat of a cult artist -
especially on the London scene, and to be honest I have, in the
past, wondered why. However, one listen to this remarkable CD,
and maybe one shouldn't wonder why this actually the case. To be
honest, I find his style a little too folky for my own personal
taste, but I was hugely surprised with the sheer jazziness,
soulful content and musical / lyrical mastery that is displayed
on Timepeace.
For my ears at least, the first of a number of MONSTERS starts
with the awesome Jon Lucien styled number, Java Sparrow.
His unique vocal style accompanied by the acoustic guitar and the
sensitive lyrics are just terrific, and I have played this
particular track to death.
Also, his interpretation of People Get Ready / Brotherly Love
is equally as impressive. Do not ignore this track. The title
track of the album, Timepeace is another must for both the
soul and jazz connoisseurs among us. It appears that serious
lyrics are more important to Terry Callier than the usual topics,
and this may explain why he is so popular. Myself, I am not
concerned about the subject matter as long as there is feeling
and sentiment there, and the arrangements and musicianship is
spot-on. Thankfully this particular album satisfies all of my
personal pre-requisites.
For instance, give C'est La Vie a really good listen. This
track really is so, so good, and the whole track will sound just
as good in 20 years' time as it does now. Some would call it
retro, but I simply call it timeless. If you know the man's past
work for Cadet, Elektra and so on then you will not be
disappointed. Myself, I am more than happy with this album and
I'd admit to being a sceptic that has been won over. Not to be
ignored.
CHAKA KHAN
Come 2 My House
(NPG)
1) Come 2 My House 2) This Crazy Life Of Mine 3)
Betcha 4) Spoon 5) Pop My Clutch 6) Journey 2 The Center Of Your
Love 7) I'll Never Be Another Fool 8) Democrazy 9) I Remember U
10) Reconsider (U Betta) 11) Don't Talk 2 Strangers 12) Hair 13)
The Drama
Personally, I rate this as the best and most consistent Chaka
Khan album for at least 15 years. Most of the songs are
written by the lady, along with Larry Graham and Symbol
himself. Please do not be put off by the latter name - as I was
that way inclined myself - or else you will miss out on a real
treat. I assure you that this set is one of superior quality soul
and in your face hard hitting old style funk.
There are also one or two wacky cuts that leave me scratching my
head, but someone out there may appreciate them and who am I to
grumble with that stunning material we are left with?!
If you're into some dirty, low-down hard-hitting slabs of Zapp /
Minneapolis styled real funk then you will be in heaven as will
those who prefer the more orchestral and ballad styled cuts. For
funkier outings, Come 2 My House, Betcha, Spoon, I'll Never Be
Another Fool and Reconsider (U Betta) are absolute
stormers that utilise Chaka's strong and gutsy vocals to the max.
Elements of George Clinton's Atomic Dog can be
heard as will as quirkier Zapp / Roger moments, too.
As for the ballads - if you, like me, adored the orchestral and
warm cuts from the Motown set from Rosie Gaines such as My
Tender Heart and Turn Your Lights Down Low, then you
will salivate over This Crazy Life Of Mine with its
orchestral intro. I Remember U is another winner and as
for the killer cut? Don't Talk 2 Strangers without a doubt
- it smacks of that mid 1980s Arif Mardin / Kashif sound. To
complete the unmissable ballads is The Drama which is essential.
This track is the icing that tops a very tasty and morish cake
indeed. Not too sure about the lady's purple hair... a P Rince
perhaps? Essential soul and funk.
VARIOUS
Pure Soul III
(Expansion UK 2-CD)
Inc. Billy Valentine - Amiekoleh - The Emotions -
Andre De Lange - Special Gift - Gary - Rodney Mannsfield - Leon
Ware - Keni Burke - Parkes - Billy & Sarah Gaines - Jean
Carne - Beverly & Duane - Leo's Sunship - Richard Rogers -
Chris Willis - Josie James - Gary - Jamariah
There are so many artists and tracks on here that I shall
have to centre on those that demand our special attention! For my
money, Disc One is the winner here, with 4 killers in a row,
starting with the AWESOME Feast Or Famine by the legendary
Billy Valentine. This is what the soul connoisseur truly
wants today, that much I know! If you can imagine Woody
Cunningham meets Martine Girault...a very tasty
thought indeed!
Next up is Amiekoleh who dishes up a suave, sophisticated Kevin
McCord type Ballad that harks back to Vicki Harvey's
1989 12" Play Your Cards Right. The Emotions
swing into action on a wonderful '90s beat ballad, proving that
they certainly haven't lost their touch!
Worth The Wait by Andre De Lange is a good example
of contemporary soul ala Urban style, and was the only highlight
on a terribly mediocre set. Parkes is another name to note
with the delightful Holding On, as is the sublime You
Will Always Be There by Billy & Sarah Gaines.
Another taster from Keni Burke is also served up and adds
flavour to the best Pure Soul compilation released to thus
far. Do not miss this CD.
LUTHER VANDROSS
I Know
(Virgin)
1) Keeping My Faith in You 2) Isn't There Someone
3) Religion 4) Get It Right 5) I Know 6) I'm Only Human 7) Night
in Harlem 8) Dream Lover 9) When I Need You 10) Are You Using Me?
11) Are You Mad at Me? 12) Now That I Have You 13) Nights in
Harlem (Remix)
OK, we all know that poor old Luther had fallen
into the MOR bag recently - and most appeared not to be swayed by
the excellent Your Secret Love set. So what am I doing
reviewing this, then? Well to say it simply this CD contains some
of the best material that the man has recorded since at least his
The Night I Fell in Love set back in 1985.
A new label and a change of emphasis are what are displayed here.
Keeping My Faith in You is a classic Vandross track if
ever I heard it and is accompanied by a very strong gospel choir
that hosts a fair number of luminaires including Cissy
Houston, Kevin Owens, Lisa Fischer, Tawatha Agee and Vaneese
Thomas.
The loping, clap beat of Religion is not what we expect
from Luther, but it works very well indeed. Stevie Wonder
adds his considerable harmonica to the Babyface-ish I
Know, which allows Luther to croon in the best way he can.
Let's face it - he still has the voice and knows how to hit the
right spots.
The first of two MONSTERS comes with the jazzy I'm Only Human
which features Cassandra Wilson on duet chores as well as
the legendary Bob James on keyboards. The real KILLER on
here for these ears is the Byron Miller number Dream
Lover which is a simple hands down classic. If you loved
tracks such as The Night I Fell in Love and Creepin
from his 1985 set then you will instantly fall in love with this
track. I adore it to bits and it has a haunting mid '80s Hiroshima
feeling to it. This will most certainly be on of my top-drawer
tracks of the year without doubt.
Nights in Harlem should please lovers of more uptempo
material - although we can do without the brainless rapper!
Another dancer is the Masters At Work -produced '70s
Salsoul styled stomper Are You Using Me which owes more to
Greg Diamond than the Vandross of late. This will be
another winner, I'm sure. A set that should not be ignored.
WILL DOWNING & GERALD ALBRIGHT
Pleasures Of The Night
Verve Forecast, 1998
1) Pleasures Of The Night 2) The Nearness Of You
3) Stop, Look, Listen To Your Heart 4) Michelle 5) Like A Lover
6) The Look Of Love 7) Here's That Rainy Day 8) Back To The Roots
9) We'll Be Together Again 10) Girl Blue
Class. Pure class. I could leave it right there and
consider that enough of a review but I won't! Ten tracks that
have been expertly recorded and lovingly performed both in terms
of musicality and vocals. The emphasis on this joint outing for
Verve Forecast by Messrs Downing and Albright is
aimed purely and simply on the purchaser of late night, laid back
top-drawer quality smooth jazz. Will Downing's vocals do nothing
but sprinkle that extra sophisticated touch to an already
tantalising and superior set of recordings.
I suppose that for some people the general atmosphere of this CD
will be a little too laid back, but hey, remember that
this is exactly what this CD is about. Admittedly, I do find the
odd track here and there a bit on the trying side - I can do
without a Beatles interpretation for a start! However, as you can
easily imagine, there are more than enough worthy tracks to keep
us all interested in the proceedings so have no worries about
that. For example, Pleasures Of The Night rates as high as
any quality Will Downing tracks as you'll ever be likely to hear
on his own albums and similarly, The Nearness of You
shines with such an enduring quality of style.
Vocally, Downing is a true master and is held in great esteem. He
has his critics but those of us who are musically mature enough
to know the difference between the essential and the throwaway
will be more than happy with the aforementioned cuts. As well as
these we have some tasty interpretations that include Johnny
Mathis' Stop, Look, Listen and Bacharach &
David's The Look of Love with exquisite sax courtesy
of the maestro himself, Gerald Albright. With an army of talented
musicians such as Bobby Lyle and Ronnie Foster you
must know that this is a CD that you must not overlook.
TAMI DAVIS
Only You
(US Red Ant)
1) How Do I Say I'm Sorry 2) Never Can Say Goodbye
3) Only You 4) Can't Take It No More 5) Serve Me Right 6) It's
Kind of Deep 7) You Need Me 8) Over Again 9) Ain't No Way 10) Why
Ya Wanna Do Me (Like This) 11) This Love
Today it is very unusual to hear a young recording
artist to break onto the scene and deliver a set that is not only
consistent and of real quality, but one that is soulful too. OK,
there are a few urban flavours on this album but they are not in
the childish fashion at all. The mood is contemporary but with an
emphasis on musicality and quality of melody. We are not talking
samples, rap or repetitive basslines here, folks!
Vocally, this young lady carries with her a hint of Toni
Braxton but the music is more soulful, less sugary and
definitely less pop radio orientated. Few tracks are not
impressive meaning that yet again we have a top-drawer unmissable
set of late '90s soul to get our teeth into. She is in the vein
of more traditional female soul vocalists such as Sharon
Bryant, Barbara Weathers or Nicki Richards. Tami's
vocals are smooth but with a roughness but only when it's needed.
This is present on the gentle beat ballad opener How Do I Say
I'm Sorry. Wonderful.
Never Can Say Goodbye is more urban but it proves exactly
how this style of music is transformed by a real and talented
singer in control. For the connoisseurs, Only You, It's Kind
of Deep, Ain't No Way and This Love will thrill no
end. Besides, with the musical arrangements provided by a certain
Bill Meyers means that we can be rest assured that quality
and style are in abundance, banishing the woolly hat, the drum
machine, the blandness and other peoples sampled music into the
wilderness. Hooray for that! Seriously though, a set of much
appeal to both older and younger listeners who have a more mature
set of ears.
GLENN JONES
It's Time
(US Sar)
1) Here All the Time 2) Thankful 3) Let It Rain 4)
When We're Making Love 5) 24/7 6) Secrets 7) I Think It's Time 8)
Don't Stop Me 9) Baby Come Home 10) On Your Side
Plus Live Cuts from Kiss FM (NY): 11) We've Only Just Begun 12)
Show Me 13) In You 14) Here I Go Again 15) Let It Rain (Down Pour
Remix)
Albums like this are a Godsend. I've only just been
wondering what had happened to his soul master and as if by magic
It's Time appears. New for SAR Records we are faced with a
100 % essential set of 15 soulful gems that include 5 live
recordings of past glories that were transmitted from Kiss FM in
New York and introduced by Ashford & Simpson.
So, 10 new cuts that rate from the simply wonderful to the in
your face essential. Glenn Jones sounds better than ever
and has written most of the material contained herein on this
album, together with a well known and long quiet name that is Ross
Vannelli. The CD contains no duff inclusions, no weak spots
and certainly no fillers and therefore should rate as being top
priority (along with a few others!) on your shopping list. Aside
from that, the CD is well packaged and the CD booklet is rather
innovative and very tasteful. Be careful how you remove the
booklet though!
I consider this to be one of the best soul releases of the year
thus far and from all the recordings to the artwork it is clear
that a lot of love, time and consideration has gone into this
project. Tracks such as Here All the Time and especially, Secrets
blew me away instantly. I would say that Secrets has to be
one of the most gorgeous tracks that the man has ever done.
AWESOME. If you adore ballads, midtempo tracks and simple music
that is bubbling over with quality and soul then this CD should
be sufficient enough to satisfy your needs. I am heartened to see
a true master back in the arena and I only hoe that he is
afforded a more stable base with this label than he has been used
to in recent years. A very, very welcome return - and with a
gusto!
REGINA BELLE
Believe in Me
(US MCA)
1) Believe in Me 2) Don't Let Go 3) I Got It 4)
You Make Me Smile 5) Baby Love 6) I Gotch U 7) I've Had Enough 8)
Never Should Have Let You Go 9) Teach Me How to Live 10) Come See
about Me 11) Be in Love Again
Regina Belle burst onto the quality soul scene back
in 1987, and although it's fair to say that her debut set was
essential, her following albums just simply deteriorated in
quality and offered us one, or perhaps two, worthy tracks per
album. However, after some time on the "pending"
release sheets, MCA have finally unleashed her Believe In Me
album, her first for the label and although it does not hit
exactly the same standards of her All By Myself set, this
album still beats the other albums hands-down.
For some classy tunes we have no less than 5 to be enticed with.
My absolute winner of winners is the supremely gorgeous I Got
It with its lightly spoken male intro over a seriously sexy
and laid back beat is a real show-stopper. Regina's voice is
second to none and the melody and chorus line will echo around
your head all day, guaranteed.
An excellent '80s styled midtempo dancer is found with Baby
Love - the type of quality light dancer that we would have
expected from MCA in the mid-'80s before the dreadful
"Uptown" sound took over. I've Had Enough is Babyface
inspired melody and would equally have suited Patti LaBelle
on her last, essential set.
Come See about Me has a gorgeous acoustic guitar
accompaniment and is such a good track too. A real traditional
quality soul record appears in the mode of the Nick Martinelli
/ Phyllis Hyman-ish Be in Love Again which is really
breathtaking and puts your faith into the soul music scene,
especially on MCA records too. The CD is worthy of a purchase for
that track alone, let alone the other choice selections.
Excellent stuff indeed.
NAKED MUSIC NYC
What's On Your Mind?
(Om)
Prelude - It's Love - If I Fall - Too Late -
What's On Your Mind - 3 A.M. - Love Is Everything - Trouble (Show
Me) - I'll Be Around - Through Tryin' - Live Today - It's Love
(Original Version).
Odd name for a group, but what a storming soul / dance /
jazzy set that will grab you by the throat and make you sit up!
This is a really exciting CD that renews your faith in
intelligent and original soul / dance grooves. If material by Colour
Club or the Holland Tunnel project is your bag, then
you will be under no illusion to how this set is a real must.
The groove is both soulful, jazzy and has a rough yet top-drawer
street edge to it that is an intoxicating mix to stir you awake.
There is almost a garage hint in the vein of the quality Steve
Hurley production of the first (and superior) Chanté
Savage CD. There is also a funky element on this CD that
reminds me of more of the instrumental moments from Maxwell's
Urban Hang Suite.
There are plenty of real instruments to enjoy on here - the flute
is really prominent, as is a funky slap-bass guitar. Ex-Motown
artist of note, Ada Dyer, provides vocals. Someone should
send this CD to Motown, simply to remind them how a REAL female
singer sound like. Every track on this CD is a must and I cannot
recommend it enough.
There are no real favourites that I can highlight as all tracks
clamour for attention. All I can really say is that you long for
soulful, funky and credible adult orientated dance music then you
will not go far wrong with this album. Most of these tracks would
be massive if the trendy and oft touted London soul clubs
opened their ears and removed their musical blinkers just for one
moment.
A real killer in this sense would be the AWESOME Trouble (Show
Me) which has a dirty bassline and features live percussion
reminiscent, but not exactly, to Marvin Gaye's What's
Going On album. THOROUGHLY RECCOMENDED.
THE DAZZ BAND
Here We Go Again
(Intersound)
Bop Gun - Sho' You Right - Girl Got Body - Do
Poppa Do - Downstairs Lounge - Ride - Summer Swim - I Wanna Be
With You - The Things I'd Do - Oh What A Night
Their Under The Streetlights set from 1996 was
simply awesome, and so it was with some excitement that I
received this, the new set from the Dazz Band. In some
ways I was deflated, as it does not compare with the
aforementioned set. However, it has to be pointed out that
whereas the last album was aimed at the soul market, this
particular release has more of a P-Funk footing.
Lead singer, Bobby Harris, still sounds as good now as he
did on their classic Motown tracks in the 1970s and 1980s, and a
few tracks here do hark back to this era. Bop Gun is pure
P-Funk right down to the core - with rap thrown in for more
effect. The lyrics are typically quirky and tongue in cheek. Sho'
You Right is a really infectious funky stepper that will win
a few hearts. Harris' vocals are excellent on this cut. One of my
favourite tracks is the '80s sounding Solar-ish Girl Got Body
which is much better than the title belies. Again, Bobby Harris'
unmistakable tonsils glide over this track. I can't stop playing
it. Another winner is the instrumental cut, Downstairs Lounge
that harks back to their late '70s material, though more
programmed, the feeling is still there; the piano and the Dazz
Band horn section is upfront. Ride is very similar to Give
Me Just A Little Bit from their last set, and relies heavily
on the Gap Band's Outstanding riff and the backbone
of Slave's '70s classic, Slide. The George Clinton
penned Summer Swim is a winner too and has the Funk
stamped on it. I Wanna Be With You has a mid '70s Isleys
feel to it, and the vocals are very classy indeed. To finish off
we have a MONSTER R Kelly / Isley's ballad in the shape of
Oh What A Night. This track is just so, so good. Another
track which is being worn out! Although coming from a different
direction, this set should not be ignored - more than a few gems
on here.
PHYLLIS HYMAN
One on One
(Hip-O)
1) Leavin' the Good Life Behind 2) Baby (I'm Gonna
Love You) 3) Do Me 4) Betcha by Golly Wow 5) Love Is Here 6) As
You Are 7) I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good / Mood Indigo 8) Take
the "A" Train 9) Maybe Tomorrow 10) The Survivor 11)
Obsession 12) Remember Who You Are
Any CD with this ultra-talented and sadly missed lady is
going to sell to anybody with any classy musical bone in his or
her body. This set is one that ought to be reviewed in order that
those who do not own these wonderful tracks can own them all
together on one CD.
Some of Phyllis' earliest outings are on here, namely Leavin'
the Good Life Behind, Baby (I'm Gonna Love You) and Do Me.
Just listen to this lady's voice! What a tragic loss this is to
the soul music world! However, as long as we have her in our
collections then she will never be forgotten. As such, one listen
to the sublime mastery of Love Is Here and As You Are
with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and you will make sure
that you will cherish these tracks for a lifetime.
The CD not only details her own work or her appearances as guest
vocalist but also examines her stage work with such cuts as I
Got It Bad... The Survivor with Joe Sample is a
welcome addition, but is outshone, for my money, by Obsession
with Lonnie Liston Smith and the AWESOME spine tingling Remember
Who You Are with Norman Connors. I think that anyone
with an ear for quality will want to own this CD. Essential
listening.
KEITH WASHINGTON
KW
(Silas / MCA)
I Warned You - No Matter - I Don't Mind - Tell Me
(Are You With It) - Bring It On - I Love You (duet with CHANTé
MOORE) - You Sure Love To Ball - Long Ago - I Can't Put You Down
- You Let Me Down - Smile - Only You - Bring It On (remix)
If you are unaware of his previous CDs you will adore this
set. If, however, you love the sheer emotion drenched soul music
from the production of Jon Nettlesby and Terry Coffey
where Keith Washington really did pour out his heart and
soul then I expect that, like me, you will be rather deflated
with this offering.
If you are expecting to hear another Make Time For Love or
Don't Leave Me In The Dark then you will be disappointed.
It isn't proper to reminisce so I will review this CD on its own
merits. I would say that if you loved the material contained on Kenny
Lattimore's debut album, then you would know what to expect
from this; although there is more of a youthful, urban, tang
present here. I Warned You is an addictive head-nodder
that grows on you, as should the whole album. No Matter is
a tasteful funky plodder that finds its essence in Front Page's
On My Way Back bass line.
The duet with Chanté Moore is, musically, more akin to
what we would hear on the Rome CD - but Keith's vocals are
allowed just a little more freedom than can be found on some of
the tracks.
If I was to single out a more `traditional' Keith Washington
recording, I would suggest a listen to Only You. This is
more like it! Most of the tracks on here are urban / ballad based
and I cannot help feeling that Keith's immensely soulful,
emotional and quivery voice is frustratingly constrained on this
set - but that is only my opinion.
Although I am unsure about the man's quality musical direction in
relation to his first two sets, if we actually single this album
out for its own merits then this is a very good CD. It stands
head and shoulders above many others. All tunes are actually very
good, without a doubt, and will win him a lot more fans, but I
personally expect more from a man who I regard as the number one
soul vocalist in the 90s.
