The Soul Express Album of the Month
March 2000
MAYSA LEAK
All My Life
UK (Expansion)
Aria De La Mia Vita - All My Life
- Compliments - Mirrors - Blue Light - Sunshine -
Hooked On Your Love - Shadows And The Light - Got
To Be Strong - Earth Child - Pressure - The
Bottle - Closure
Another very strong album to see in the
year 2000. Maysa's last set was
unmissable, and although there are no killer cuts
in the vein of Goodbye on here, we have
a different angle with the unique and exceptional
writing, instrumentalisation and production of
our very own Jean-Paul Maunick
otherwise known as 'Bluey'.
Originally released on the Rice Label in Japan,
Expansion have snapped up the rights and should
do the business with this one. Those who love the
classier Incognito sounds of late will jump for
this album, the style is British yet classy. Much
British material simply cannot cut the mustard
when it comes to the music we love, but this
album really does hit the desired watermark. I
found it an enjoyable listen throughout, although
I could do without another version of The
Bottle. One is quite sufficient!
Maysa Leak has a rich, velvety voice that hints
at pure heaven. Bluey does her justice, although
for my money her best bet is on the other side of
the pond with the likes of, say, Barry J.
Eastmond or Paul Brown.
The opening song, All My Life is the
best on the CD as far as I am concerned, and is a
real aural treat, proving that us Brits have come
a long way since those more cringing efforts of
the '70s, 80's and a fair part of the '90s. The
song is deep, groovy and so soulful it hurts..
Essential stuff indeed. With steppers such as Compliments
and the beaty retrospective Mirrors
the album is one that is very much an all-round
good musical egg. Much better than I ever
expected it to be. Recommended UK soul.
The review by Barry Towler exclusively
for RECORD CORNER, which is one of the
leading soul shops in the world. The review is
not featured in our printed issue.
Albums of the Month in
1999
Albums of the Month in
1998
Albums of the Month in
1997
Other CD reviews
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