Soul Express Album Review

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OMAR CUNNINGHAM
Time Served
US Soul 1st Records, 2008
1) Intro 2) That's My Jam 3) My Life 4) By My Side 5) This Old Music 6) Skit 7) Ain't Nothing Changed 8) The Saga Continues 9) The Right Woman 10) The Same Soap 11) Check To Check 2008 12) If You Want Me 13) Could You Be 14) The Beauty Shop 15) Where Would I Be

Having just written about someone of the stature of Sergio Mendes, here is a newer talent to savour. Let's face it, this gentleman is a real talent and easily embraces the more traditional, Southern flavours along with a sharper, contemporary edge which is enough to keep fans of Willie Clayton, Lattimore, Johnnie Taylor and even the Rose Brothers happy, as well as those who may lean towards John Legend or Calvin Richardson. This is no bad thing, and over the years Omar Cunningham has fostered this approach and I feel has delivered his best album to date.
Those of you that love what could be termed 'real soul' - and there's plenty of that here on Soul Express - should be checking this set out ASAP. Following the intro is a KILLER cut called “That's My Jam”. Imagine one of Gerald Levert's best grooves but delivered by the Rose Brothers and you are not too far away from what we have here. I cannot stop playing this song! Likewise with the Willie Clayton-like “My Life”which beautifully addresses the love within his own family and his own life. Speaking as I was earlier about John Legend, please check out the superb “By My Side” which will seriously do the business for you.
I have to say that in all truth “This Old Music” is also a cracker – it explains exactly what is so good about soul music. Not that I nedd to explain to you, of course. You are a) on this website and b) reading an Omar Cunningham review. Case closed, M'Lud. Like you will, I know exactly what he means about the warm breeze blowing through the leaves and Al Green on the airwaves. Al's new CD was recorded just for a summer's day as it is here today! Just perfect for a sun-worshipper such as me! LOL. Another song which can be included into the 'great for a summer's day' category is the superb midtempo number “The Right Woman”.
For Southern lovers, with a hint of the blues, is “Check To Check 2008” which would not be out of place on a Willie Clayton album. The bill collectors may keep on coming to your door, Omar, but your quality tunes keep on coming to our attention! The guitar licks and beats do a lot to bring life to Omar's edgy vocals on “If You Want Me”, the guitar really draws us in – the lick is an hypnotic one. Omar's passion shines throughout this song making this a definite highlight. Another quality groove is the melancholic “Where Would I Be” which, musically, is totally modern in style but has southern leanings lyrically. This shows how the man can intertwine both styles seamlessley and effortlessly. His strongest set to date and one for a ever-increasing fanbase. Check out his tunes on www.soulchoonz.com among others.
- Barry Towler

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