Soul Express CD Review LENNY WILLIAMS My Way US Thump, 2004 Can't Nobody Do Me Like You - Loveland - Torn Between Two Lovers - My Way - So Very Hard To Go - I Can't Say I Love (Without You) - I Don't Want To Lose My "Sweet Thing" - Ride The Rhythm - One Word - Players Cry Lenny's first set since 2000 and as far as I am concerned a lot more essential. This is a sturdy effort indeed and a lot of love, though and imagination has been spent on this album. Thump are soon building up an enviable roster of artists and Jay King deserves all the plaudits for ensuring that classic artists such as Lenny Williams, Val Watson, Bootsy Collins, Gary Taylor and Michael Cooper are still very much in the major label loop. Lenny's new set has an encouraging scope of styles and a depth of lyrical storytelling that comes from the heart and, I imagine, personal experience. We know and love this great man from his tenure with the amazing Tower of Power and, of course, his solo offerings on Reprise, MCA, Crush, Marathon and Volt over the years as well as appearing with such artists as Kenny G and Bryan Carter. Mick Gillette and Skip Mesquite from the Tower Of Power horn section add their talents to a number of songs, and their gritty, Southern approach adds real edge to songs such as the brassy opener "Can't Nobody Do Me Like You" and "So Very Hard To Go". These are really good and serve the album well, but for me the two killers are "Torn Between Two Lovers" and the title song, "My Way" which simply ooze class, finesse and durability. As soon as I heard the 30 second sound snippet of "Torn Between Two Lovers" I knew I had to buy this album. Similar in design to his AWESOME "Say You'll Stay" from Bryan Carter's 1996 HDH set, the magic is woven in rich musical threads of eerie, atmospheric synth, deep rumbly bass and a hint of bluesy guitar. Poor Lenny has lost both loves and this is a lament and a warning that you can't have your cake and eat it too! Essential indeed, as is the deep and bassy joyful rumbler, "My Way" which has our hero musing on that search for his true love. OK, the opening monologue may be a bit cheesy but this does not last long. For me, these two songs alone expedite a purchase. In a similar fashion is "Loveland" which is more restrained yet thoroughly enjoyable, and I can envisage many marriage services having "I Can't Say I Love (Without You)" on the playlist. Sentimental slush it may be, but perfectly handled and we can't ask for more than that, can we? No sooner is Lenny wandering up the isle he is, in song at least, dallying with a much younger girl and having her pops turn up on the door brandishing a gun! This turnaround in fortune is at least very worthwhile musically, and all I can say is 'you go for it'! I love the line about people criticising, saying that the girl is only after his money. The reply is that she has cured his love sickness and no man cannot pay for his medicine! Nice line. This is what I mean about imagination. Very clever and quirky and rather fun. I cannot recommend this CD enough and I hope that these quality artists have found a permanent home with Thump. To me, it seems that they are all in very good hands. - Barry Towler Albums of the Month in 2003 Albums of the Month in 2002 Albums of the Month in 2001 Albums of the Month in 2000 Albums of the Month in 1999 Albums of the Month in 1998 Albums of the Month in 1997 Other CD
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