The Lowdown - CD reviewsAll reviews written by Barry TowlerArchives of 2002-2003 ReviewsBack to fresh CD reviews THE ISLEY BROTHERS - Body Kiss (Dreamworks / T-Neck) Superstar - Lucky Charm - What Would You Do (feat. The Pied Piper) - Body Kiss (feat. Lil' Kim) - Busted (feat. JS) - Showdown Vol.1 - Prize Possession - Take A Ride - I Want That - I Like (feat. The Pied Piper & Snoop Dogg) - What Would You Do Pt.2 (feat. The Pied Piper) In personnel management there is an adage that when reprimanding staff properly you "kiss 'em before you kick 'em". I'm taking this approach to this album, as I am both high in praise and heavy in condemnation in equal measures. This has been the first Isley Brothers album to hit the top of the US hit parade since "The Heat Is On" and has elevated the popular consciousness of Ronald and Ernie to new highs among the fickle, throwaway MTV R&B audiences thanks to R Kelly. I am so pleased for Ronald and Ernie, but that's about as far as it goes, really. I was not enamoured with their last album whatsoever and apart from 5 songs on here the brothers have slid so far down the drain they are hanging on by their fingernails to any credibility they had in my opinion before they completely go down the musical toilet. As for the kissin', then! The first song, "Superstar", is an R Kelly 70s wah-wah piece of intoxication that is blindingly compulsive. This is equal to any of the classy cuts off his "Chocolate Factory" album and this is a real credit to him and his talent. If you remember the quality Isleys tune on "Life" soundtrack and loved the classic, Isleys (Chris Jasper) sound of the mid 70s then you will love "Lucky Charm" complete with guitar... Ah! But courtesy of Donnie Lyle and not Ernie Isley! Very strange, eh? Still, a splnedid piece of AUTHENTIC Isleys that we know and love. The real quality moment comes in the form of "Prize Possession" which is simply magical and has classic written all over it. Ron really allows his vocals to let rip and harks back to the days before his sound became bastardised and watered down. All credit again to R Kelly for this song. We could do without the "Uh, uh!" megaphone homey bit at the start, though, Robert! Put it away, forget it. Passé. Nuff said. Finally, "Take A Ride" and "I Want That" returns to the 70s format and the former features Ernie Isley on guitar at long, long last! And now we get onto the kickin'! What the hell are they up to? Ernie Isley is, in my opinion, one of the greatest guitarists in the history of popular music and all we get is a paltry 30 seconds of him? This is an insult. I am also sick and tired of "Mr. Biggs". This has gone past being funny. I guess that this Mack Daddy image has appealed to the clueless urban rap MTV generation, but it does nothing for me, I'm afraid. The appearance of people like Snoop Dogg, Lil' Kim and JS does not suggest quality soul and doesn't deliver it either. When I dig out classic albums such as "Smooth Sailin'", "Masterpiece" and "Between The Sheets" among many others I feel very, very sad that The Isley Brothers have ended up here in homeboy avenue. HOWEVER, extremely worthwhile nonetheless, but what a sad, sad day for this Isleys fan.
REMI - A Taste Of Eden (Tall Hair Music, 2002) In The Heat Of The Night - Coco Bella - It Ain't Gonna Change My Love - A Taste Of Eden - Last Night Those of you who purchased the first Café De Soul compilation will be aware of two of these wonderful songs already. Like you, I heard these and decided to dig a bit deeper with this fantastic Lady. I discovered this must-have 5-track mini album via CD Baby in the US, which I am really over the moon about for a whole number of reasons, which I will expand on. I'm not sure about you folks, but I have noticed a definite downturn in the number of QUALITY ladies in the music world today - most of my purchases are of soul men and not soul ladies. We also have a lack of credible midtempo material to get our teeth into right now, and on top of this a lot of today's productions are stripped down, minimalist and spartan to say the least. Although this isn't always bad I just feel that something is missing. What Remi does, for me, is to grasp these issues by the horns and she delivers a 5 track CD that ensures that I am satisfied on all points. Although a new name to me, Remi has worked in a group called The Day-Z's with dear old Morris Day of The Time at the helm and she has toured and performed with Howard Hewitt, Tina Marie and Karyn White among many others. How about that for a credible resumé?! I was impressed, and more so impressed with this release which is soulful, sexy, intimate, and jam packed with groove, sensuality and lyrics that are intelligent. The opening song "In The Heat Of The Night" is a sexy, shuffling groove that is perfect for the summer; the sax that is prominent on this song accentuates the intricate and textured musical backdrop like a hand in a glove. This is the sort of dancer that Leon Ware would be really good at. Plenty of texture both rough and smooth and Remi's ultra-soulful vocals drench the song effortlessly. The following tune, "Coco Bella", is another Ware-ish moment and Kuh Ledisma's work with Attalla Zane Giles also springs to mind regarding this composition. This sexy monologue is essential - the loping beat and the tropical essence is adorned with a subtle synth lining that makes it a real spine-tingling moment. Remi's reminisces over her first kiss are better than mine are! Try writing a song around the cloying smell of potter's clay in a musty, stale art department store cupboard. Go on - try it! I defy you! The plush grooves continue with the terrific midtempo "It Ain't Gonna Change My Love" which gets my toes and fingers working nicely. On "A Taste Of Eden" I am slightly reminded of Kashif's "Who Love's You" album on this, so you know that this indeed a quality song. Our final tune is another welcome 'two-step' cut with lyrics reflecting on the discovery of a cheating partner. So, this mini album is chock-a-bloc with pacers that are definitely aimed at the soulful R&B market. Strong vocals, strong lyrics, strong music and on first hearing I am in no doubt that this is one talented Lady who oozes talent, sexiness, class and can get my toes tapping. AND, there is a new album coming up in the near future called "Urban Gypsy" so I am very much looking forward to that. Do not overlook this CD or this Lady. Take note, as we have a major talent here.  MARILYN SCOTT – Walking With Strangers (Prana Entertainment, 2001) Loving You – I Always Think Of You – Give In – All Of The Above – Beginning With You – You Don’t Know What Love Is (feat. Frank McComb) – Walking With Strangers – Don’t Let Love Get Away – Who’s Looking For Me? – No Room For Hate – bonus unlisted track How this one slipped through the net in 2001 I really don’t know. I discovered this by chance and took a listen. Having bought two her previous CDs since 1992 I knew that this would be a good set anyway. Her soulful vocals are perfect for the mellow soul / jazz backings of her music and so I set about hearing this. To be fair this set easily surpasses her last Warner Brothers set in 1998 by far, and is as consistent with her 1996 effort (Take Me With You – now re-released in the US, and here in the UK for some reason by Expansion!). If you are familiar with that fantastic album then you will know what you are in for – but there is an added twist to this set. Production wise we are looking at Jimmy Haslip, Renato Neto, Teri Lyne Carrington, Patrice Rushen and Marilyn herself. Writing credits include Marilyn Scott as well as Brenda Russell, Patrice Rushen, Joe Vannelli, Gene De Paul and Vicky Mishoulam. The CD effortlessly flows from one mellow masterpiece to another, "Loving You", "I Always Think Of You" and "Give In" are certainly not dreary smooth jazz radio fodder. These songs are definitely in the sophisticated bag, especially track three, "Give In" which is breezy and crisp featuring none other than Perri on backing vocals! The Brenda Russell composition is "All Of The Above" and Marilyn delivers the song very much in the spirit of Brenda and one wonders if this was a track that was written for "Paris Rain" but omitted. It certainly is of a similar quality. The Latin flavour of "Beginning With You" adds some spice to the playlist; the acoustic guitar and tropical feel is augmented by some nice bass touches courtesy of Jimmy Haslip. The next song is so magnificent that it cannot be described. You really must hear this KILLER song to believe it. I was knocked for six when I heard the song sample and when it dropped through onto the doormat and from there to my CD player I was totally floored. "You Don’t Know What Love Is" rates as one of THE must-have tracks that I have personally heard thus far in 2003. Featuring the mega-talented Frank McComb, this duet is a complete and utter piece of sophistisoul. Produced by Patrice Rushen and Teri Lyne Carrington this song is nothing short of ESSENTIAL, making this superb CD worth owning if only for this song. Patrice & Teri’s production reminds me a lot of the production by Ramsey Lewis / Frayne Lewis of the Urban Knights vocal ballads. Don’t believe me: listen to this yourself. The next serious contender for sophistisoul stakes is the eerie keyboard drenched "Don’t Let Love Get Away" which features Ross Vanelli on backing vocals. "Who’s Looking For Me" is another strong effort, and "No Room For Hate" is a more stripped down jazz vocal track that allows Marilyn to do her stuff. As usual nowadays the CD concludes with an unlisted bonus song not listed on the CD, and it ends on a thoughtful note – possibly, then a track added on after the 9/11 tragedy. Certainly a bonus, anyway. I know, folks, that the purse strings are tight (my wallet is covered in band-aid!) but this CD must not be overlooked – any serious soul / jazz fan with a love of sophisticated music cannot be without this CD or especially THE killer cut on the album.  BIG BROOKLYN RED – Foreword (Big Brooklyn Red, 2002) Time – Put Wings On Me – Sweeter Than Springtime – The War Inside – Paradise – Put It On You – My Destiny – God Is Good Wow! Lovers of the organic approach will die and go to heaven on hearing this superlative CD of fresh live-recorded material from New York artist Big Brooklyn Red. I was blown away by the "Time" track when I heard it for the first time and could not wait to hear the whole album – which I can report as being of an equally high quality. Brooklyn is a freestyler, his musicians fluid yet tightly drawn around his vocals. Musically, one is immediately reminded of early Frankie Beverly and Maze; the music here is recorded sometimes in one take, live in the studio!! "Time" was a complete cut from his second attempt and "God Is Good" was recorded in one felt swoop! Soulful vocals, jazzy sentiments and completely real, all 8 tracks stand up to the "Lowdown" quality check. If Ledisi, Erykah Badu, Vivian Green, Maxwell and D’Angelo are your bag then you are onto a winner with this album. The opening song, "Time" will put the icing on the cake from word go; the gorgeously exuberant summer vibe of "Sweeter Than Springtime" will please you further and like me you will love the man’s vocals – so soulful it hurts!!! For today’s uncertain times is the socially conscious groove of "The War Within", accompanied by some able trumpet. The female spoken intro of "Paradise" draws us into another sublime piece of summertime soul jazz with Red’s versatile voice swaying along with the real instruments perfectly. What I would love to do, after hearing these songs is to see the man live in action. It is obvious from the material, the musicianship and the sheer quality of vocalisation that theirs would be one hell of a show. I also heartily recommend the erotic groove of "Put It On You" which is one of the 3 cuts that has any form of programming in it, but it is not at all out of kilter with the song or the rest of the more live, organic side of the album. The good times vibe of "My Destiny" is softly versed and features above all things a very neat rap (yes, I said rap and have not lost my temper!) by Hassan. No, I haven’t gone soft, the rap really compliments the loose vibe and bass line. The final outing, "God Is Good", is a programmed affair but Red deploys his sweet vocals over it very effectively. Organic soul from the roots...another "CD Baby" exclusive.  AL JARREAU – All I Got (GRP, 2002) Random Act Of Love – Life Is – Never Too Late – Feels Like Heaven – Lost And Found (with JOE COCKER) – Secrets Of Love – All I Got – Until You Love Me – Oasis – Jacaranda Bougainvillea – Route 66 I was very expectant with is album as I was blown away by his millennial effort, "Tomorrow Today" which was a tour de force effort and rates as one of the man’s best albums. I cannot say that this album reaches the same dizzy heights, but it is still a very strong album where numerous tracks easily and effortlessly can be likened to his very best work he has ever made. My favourite era was his early 80s Jay Graydon material and songs such as "Never Too Late" and "Secrets Of Love" are beyond excellence. If you love albums like "Breaking Away", "Jarreau" and "This Time" then these two magical songs are right up your alley. Can’t recommend them enough. Other songs though are very good, but do not readily compare with these two tracks. The funky "Life Is" with contributions from Paul Jackson Jr, Paulinho Da Costa and Jerry Hey is a strong track. The skippy, tappy "Feels Like Heaven" is a good’un too – but is typical of Paul Brown’s production and writing style. Joe Cocker may turn some people off, but I happen to like him and his place here is welcome. His work with the Crusaders was tip-top as is "Lost And Found" which can be found here. "All I Got", the title song is a real belter of a track and is a constant favourite in t his house; again Paul Brown in control. The jazzier side of Mr. Jarreau can be discovered on the downbeat floater, "Oasis" with tasty horns and percussion ably arranged by none other than the talented Ricky Peterson. Secondly on the jazz front is the warm "Jacaranda Bougainvillea" with its South African flourishes, strings and elasticated tonsil work that Mr. Jarreau is well loved for. Listen to this album and you will love it, and then realise that the gentleman is now 62! It proves to me that like fine wine, quality and talent improve with age. Do not miss this album.  GERALD LEVERT – The G Spot (Elektra, 2002) Too Much Room (feat. MYSTIKAL) – Since You Ain’t Around – Wilding Me Out – Funny – The Top Of My Head – The G Spot – Oh What A Night (feat. ROY AYERS) – Closure – Raindrops – Your Smile – Backbone – Catchin’ Feelings – All That Matters This CD could have easily passed me by, as did his 2001 set. Dear old Gerald releases albums almost every year and we have to acknowledge that the man’s style over the past decade, with a few notable exceptions, has been run of the mill to say the least. But that is NOT true of this album. The cover, which colourfully plays on the old Ohio Players format, caught my eye and so I deigned to have a listen. The opening of track one immediately had my shackles raised as some repulsive screaming rapper was spouting his nonsensical rant all over the music. Who ever told this person they were talented, let alone give them a record deal? They should be jailed. The shame of it all is the music is superb – an early 1970s Norman Whitfield feel with funky guitar, "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" strings and Gerald’s funky vocals. If there is a version of this song without the idiot rapper on it then please someone let me know!!! This sad inclusion aside, EVERY track is superb and I would say that this album is the most consistent set that the man has ever made. Considering, also this is a major label release, it is warming to see music like this being made as the running is now very much with the independents. Without going into painstaking detail there are, for these ears at any rate, four real true stunners on here. The title song is a low down, sultry bedroom grinder that simply deals with the naughty stuff – puerile I suppose but the tick-tock beats and the acoustic guitar is extremely seductive indeed, and Gerald pleads and emotes his way through the seduction process rather vividly. Following this is the airy strings orientated 70s-ish tapper, "Oh What A Night" featuring the evergreen Roy Ayers on vibes and scat duties. This track will be picked up on many quality based soul radio stations for definite. Thirdly, from out picks off this prime album, is the bass-pin rumbling mid 80s dancer, "Rain Drops" which I immediately loved. If only clubs here would play such chunky, funky music then I may be persuaded to make a visit! I would love to hear more vibes of this nature today. A real ‘feel good’ song, this. Better still, for the ‘goodtimes vibe’, so-called is the severely retro "All That Matters" which is so 70s in flavour it is unreal. Still, it never hurts to sample your old Dad now and again, does it! Now, those familiar with me and my taste will expect me to rant over the use of sampling, but this has been done very well with "Family Reunion". A very classy, summery finale to a very classy and very soulful CD. What a pity about track one though. Deary me!  MICHAEL B. SUTTON – Hopeless Romantic (Little Dizzy, 2002) Body Music – If You Let Me Love You (The Second Time Around) – Give It Up – Do That To Me – Sweet Surrender – Flight – Interlude – Feelin’ Down (Go Down On Me Blues) – Love Me Inside Out – I Wanna Sex You – Interlude – Lovers Serenade – Nobody – Hopeless Romantic This wonderful album was drawn to my attention in November, and on hearing a few sound samples, I was absolutely blown away! Those who know their onions will already be aware of Mr. Sutton through his work with his wife, Brenda as well as his collaborations at Motown during the 70s with the likes of The Originals and Smokey Robinson to name but two. So what is the man producing here and now? Classy modern soul music, that’s what. 14 tracks with plenty of gems and sparklers to impress the most hard-nosed purist amongst us, even. The CD blasts off with a very modern midtempo outing, laced with a Latin flavour and floaty, velvet vocals from Michael and some very able backing singers. Before I go on, I must say that although this set is independent in production it does not suffer from a lack of professionalism or quality – this is major material in that sense. Rest assured! Hot on its heels is the gorgeous ballad "If You Let Me Love You (The Second Time Around)" which allows Michael to deploy his sensuous vocals with pinpoint accuracy. One of three KILLERS, though is "Do That To Me" – perhaps one of the best ballads released during 2002. Atmospheric, sublime and canters along with a gentle rhythm and catchy hook. This is just a lovely song, it really is. "Sweet Surrender" and "Flight" both have an early 90s quality feel to them and are very good indeed. I love the softness of the vocals and in my mind is a beautiful melodic contrast to the nasty, aggressive sharp beats employed by a myriad of today’s supposed R&B ‘stars’. The interlude is a very tasty teaser for the KILLER final cut, "Hopeless Romantic" which will have you feeling very sad indeed that the CD has come to an end. Tata Vega joins Michael on the Latin number, "Lover’s Serenade" and is jolly nice, too, but is nothing compared to the this killer cut and the song that has made most airplay on quality radio…"Nobody". "Nobody" is pure class and ranks in my top 10 favourites of the year. Imagine Isley Jasper Isley at their very best - think "I Can’t Get Over Losin’ You" and "Giving You Back The Love" and you are in familiar territory. This is quality soul music for 2003 if ever I heard it, and more of it, please. An essential release, no more to say about it.  EVA CASSIDY – No Boundaries (Renata Music, 2001) Emotional Step (Full Version) – The Waiting Is Over – You Are – Natural Woman – Little Children – I’ve Got This Feeling – When It’s Too Late – On The Inside – Emotional Step (Radio Edit) – Natural Woman (Traditional) – Little Children (Reflection) Hang on, you’re probably thinking. What’s this MOR white folk singer doing here in the Lowdown reviews? Well, this Lady deserves accreditation for being more than a covers artist, albeit a classy one at any rate. Those who have a passion for strong jazz-fusion will remember Pieces Of A Dream’s "Goodbye Manhattan" and the strong vocalist who sang it. Yep, Eva Cassidy. This Lady was a MASSIVE black music fan and loved Jazz, Gospel and R&B, and this is about the only album that showcases this love to the forefront. This Lady was a massive talent who could turn her voice to anything and if you love quality jazzy soul a la Marilyn Scott or even Carol Duboc then boy, will you love this album!!! I love the whole album, and I know that Quality Time readers will love it too. Track one, "Emotional Step", is a beautiful gentle sax-opened swayer with an array of real instruments backing her up (the whole album runs in this fashion, incidentally) and Eva’ soulful, passionate voice soars like an eagle on it. If only the Lady had recorded more work like this instead of do endless covers of run-of-the-mill standards! This awesome talent of hers explodes on the KILLER cut, "You Are" which is, for me, one of the top tunes of the last few years. As soon as I heard this (completely by accident, too) I was gobsmacked. Imagine a wonderful musical hybrid of Patrick Moten and Michael J. Powell, delivered with a gutsy, soulful delivery in the hybrid mode of Aretha Franklin and Teena Marie all rolled into one. This is better than anything a contemporary black artist has come up with. This is Chapter 8 material at its best, believe me! Talking of Aretha, "Natural Woman" is given a sensuous reading and is absolutely superb. For the jazzier ears comes "Little Children", a cut that is straight out of the Dianne Reeves songbook – "How Long" is a good comparison. Now, I heard this song years and years ago but I know not when. This socially conscious track is excellent and like all the songs on here, should be given airplay by the likes of Solar Radio or Soul 24/7. "I’ve Got This Feeling" is another soulfully jazzy stormer, and I can hear the influence of Hiroshima’s Dan Kurimoto in the mix here. The upbeat "When Its Too Late" and the essential piano-led "On The Inside" complete this most essential album. And that’s what it is. Believe me, folks this is a hidden gem to be "discovered" (sic) in another 10 or so years and will be commanding big, big money. Don’t let ‘em get ya! ESSENTIAL.  THE DRAMATICS – Look Inside (Northcoast Investments 2002) "Look Inside" sees The Dramatics burst back onto the scene in a "dramatic" fashion!!! L.J. Reynolds and Ron Banks spearhead a mighty soulful assault onto the mediocre black music landscape with an album of 10 songs that are all soulful, bang-up-to-date and yet classic. For aficionados of their tenure with Stax, MCA, Capitol or Volt there will be something for you " whether you are 18 or 60 years old. This has to be one of my favourite albums this year (along with Will Downing, Remy Shand and Glenn Lewis). Chapter 8"s Michael J. Powell has a hand on 3 KILLER ballads, "Looks Like Rain", with its sultry rain backdrop, the quality "Right In The Middle Of Heaven" and the AWESOME top-drawer ballad, "I’m So Alone" which, I must say, is my track of the year so far. Such a soulful, yearning song; L.J."s deep, impassioned vocals and Ron’s phrasing make this a "must have" record. A number of songs, "Look Inside", "Pushin’ Up On Ya" and the vocoder-spiced "Baby Boo" are funky gems and are very exciting indeed " the guys" harmonies really explored here. The foray into rap on the title song and "Pushin" Up On Ya" really does work in this context, too " and yes, if like me you curse the day rap and hip-hop was invented " you will still LOVE these songs! The sax on "What Must I Do2 complemented with the sound of the sea lapping onto the shore is magical. If only more soul artists today remembered that a saxophone here or there adds to the atmosphere of their music. OK, there are but 10 tracks, but who will argue for quantity when we have quality such as this" I am so impressed, and those who love real soul, modern R&B, whatever will love this album. No soul / R&B lover worth his salt should be without this album. More please!  WILL DOWNING – Sensuous Journey (GRP 2002) All 11 tracks smack of quality. Real instruments, real songs, real lyrics and a joy to behold. Will, in the booklet, makes no apology for aiming this at the much-ignored adult market and laments the lack of quality music today. This album, he says, is for us. Right he is, too! We have the smooth opening song, "Cool Water", the lilting Latin tinged cover of Michael Jackson’s "I Can"t Help It" and the Michael J. Powell / Chapter 8 groove of "Almost Like Being In Love" complete with scat, the Kashif-produced "Brooklyn Breezes" through to the DELICIOUS laid back summer samba of "Bolero Nova". This final song really allows Will’s vocals to work their magic! This is a more consistent set than the youth-oriented "All The Man You Need", and more lively than his "Pleasures Of The Night" collaboration with Gerald Albright. GRP is a very good base for Will’s work. Al Jarreau and Joe Sample also being equally at home here also. A purchase with no risks attached. Charming.  REMY SHAND – The Way I Feel (Motown, 2002) 23 year old Canadian Remy Shand really gets to grip with his awesome talent on this 11-track album. Considering he single handily wrote, produced and played all instruments on here I think a standing ovation is more appropriate than mere lip service. Lovers of the organic approach to modern soul music, and the real classic sounds of yesterday, will find this album nothing short of essential. I cannot fault this album at all " there are nods to the Memphis sound of Al Green, the funk of the Average White Band and even a slight flavour of late 70"s jazz-fusion. If forced to pick a track or two for highlighting, I would point you in the direction of "Take A Message" and "Looking Back On Vanity". I believe that this young man will go very far if he is allowed to " but today’s hit orientated, tired formulaic corporate culture does strangle this " and should earn Motown / Universal a lot of respect from those who are truly connoisseurs of excellent, real music and artistry. In short, simply breathtaking and one of THE definitive and must-have soul / R&B releases of 2002. Submitted.  RAPHAEL SAADIQ – Instant Vintage (Universal, 2002) "Instant Vintage", by its title, promised great things. Unfortunately it is NOT the classic CD that I had hoped it would be. The organic feel of real musicians and instruments has been sacrificed somewhat for programming and turntable scratching that may suit the high school market well, but for those of us old enough to remember real R&B it is a bit disappointing. However, for ardent soul fans like me there are enough flashes of inspiration on here to elevate it from being categorised as yet another average R&B "street" album. The opening song, very Tony Toni Toné in scope, augured well with the bass line, swirling Gene Page style strings and carefree summer flow but suffers from some unnecessary turntable DJ effects. That aside, a cracking track! Much better is the MONSTER "Body Parts" which is more akin to his more mature work, and is more attuned to the soulful efforts of brother Dwayne’s Motown, "Eyes Don"t Lie" set, or the truly classic "Out Of The Blue" set by Blu on Motown. The urban flavoured "Be Here" featuring D"Angelo is another stormer of note as is the similar, yet programmed "You’re The One That I Like". Fans of the Chic sound will simply adore the GORGEOUS stepper, "Faithful", which for my money has to be the real saviour of the set. Finally, "Skyy, Can You Feel Me" is an airy summer jogger featuring the attractive yet vocally weak T-Boz " I imagine this is so aimed at the diaper end of the market than adults who, after all is said and done, have the real spending cash. A lovely song, though. There are also two hidden songs tucked away at the end. Recommended, but a bit of a let down. Lets hope Raphael hooks up with The Tony’s again to deliver another "House Of Music" type album " now that is truly VINTAGE in style, and a much superior piece of work.  NORMAN BROWN – Just Chillin’ (Warner Brothers, 2002) This is probably Norman’s most consistent set " but not his best by way of instrumental content. The relentless releases in the "smooth jazz" movement continue apace and more and more bore this reviewer " so it is a welcome album that has some light and some shade, musical dexterity and vocal prowess. Ten tracks of which four vocals and one unnecessary cover version add up to a very worthwhile " if brief album. The instrumentals are fine efforts, but pale to his meatier MoJazz outings "The Feeling I Get", the title cut and "Night Drive" are solid efforts. I particularly like the eerie mid 80"s type keyboards on these songs. For my money, though, the vocals are the limelight stealers. "Feeling The Way" features the adorable Chanté Moore on a song that is the best (and only soulful) thing she has recorded since her 1994 album, "A Love Supreme". My favourite vocal is "I Still Believe" featuring the supremely soulful Michael McDonald. This is top quality, and rates favourably with the man’s vocals on Larry Carlton’s "Til I Hurt You". Norman’s scat on the show-stopping Latin driven "Dancing In The House" is excellent. This is the sort of stuff that puts smooth jazz back on a serious footing. Debbie Nova, a new name to me, features on the jazzy "Won’t You Stay" complete with 70s Stevie Wonder-ish keyboards and is, again, excellent. A semi-instrumental, "In My Life" is a funky jogger with tinges of Dexter Wansel / Philadelphia International keyboards with vocals by Norman, no less. This is more like it! Finally, the sultry Miki Howard completes this short album with the modern "Not Like You Do" is superb but the feeling and atmosphere is a bit muddled, down-pace and rather odd as a closing song. I cannot really fault this album " much better than the current swathe of spineless bland jazz albums flooding the market. Not to be missed!  DON BLACKMAN Listen (Expansion, 2002) Coming To You, Coming To Me – Watch Your Heart – Get Your Dance On – Ghetto Lament – It’s All About That – He’ll Keep Loving You – Fast Lane – Can You See The Son – Listen – Crowd Controller – Just Can’t Stay Away – So You Wanna Be A Rapper – WTC – So What Do You Think? Don’s first set in 20 years is well worth the wait. Full of soulful, funky tunes; mid-pacers and dancers that smack of his 1982 GRP set. Lovers of his classics "Holding You, Loving You" and "Since You’ve Been Away So Long" shall not be disappointed. For instance, "Coming To You – Coming To Me" follows in the classic formula exactly and immediately distinguishes the album as one to be reckoned with. The opening piano, the slap bass, the funky loose baseline and eerie synth is nothing short of a summertime classic, if not a future classic, period! The arrangements of "Watch Your Heart" are straight out of the mid-1980s, along with the catchy hooks and backing. People knock the 1980s but for me that was a period when uptempo tunes were happy tunes, making your soul and heart sing. These were days when the fun was put into funky! Aptly, "Get Your Dance On" may be a bit too much for some to swallow – the rap flavour is straight back to the old Bernard Wright style and even, I guess, the more recent Warren G / Nate Dogg style. It’s a fun groove and my baby daughter loves it to bits! Another song I really like is the inspirational groove of "Can You See The Son" which has a happy, loping melody and an irresistible chorus that you will be involuntarily singing to yourself after but one spin. Slap bass is the order of the day on the sparse but funky downtempo groove, listen; a song that is spoken as a monologue – this track is really really good, and I love the menagerie of instrumentation that slips by as you…listen! Fancy another killer cut, if the aforementioned aren’t enough? "This Thing Called Love" is pure class, designed for the warmest of summer days and will be adored by lovers of his classic 1982 album. The vocalists on the chorus reminds me of Chuckii Booker a la "Games" – yes, it is that good! Remember my comment about the 1980s? Check out "Just Can’t Stay Away" with it’s Chuckii Booker-ish backing vocals. This song makes me feel so darn good, and sounds fantastic when played alongside Luther Vandross’ "Let’s Make Tonight The Night". Albums like this re-affirm to me just how wonderul OUR music is, and that we should support it now more than ever before. ESSENTIAL. VARIOUS ARTISTS – Natural High 2 (Warner Brothers, 2002) Chic – Open Up / Patrice Rushen – Forget Me Nots / Aquarian Dream - You’re A Star / Gwen McCrae – Keep The Fire Burning / Airto – Toque De Cuica / Gilberto Gil – Maracatu Atomico / Linda Lewis – Sideway Shuffle / Chamelion – Game Of Life / Art Webb – You Can’t Hide Love / Roy Ayers presents Ubiquity – Simple & Sweet / Ronn Matlock – Feeling Something / Anglo Saxon Brown – Call On Me / Donald Byrd & 125th Street, NYC – Feel Like Loving You Today / Leon Ware – Rocking You Eternally / Chico Hamilton – Mysterious Maiden / Debra Laws – Very Special. Do you, like me, get fed up to the back teeth of compilations that are re-hashes of old compilations? Those that are a waste of time? You wonder who on earth compiled it and why? Hmm. Don’t worry too much about this compilation, though. There are enough "different" tracks on here that warrant it as a clear, no nonsense ESSENTIAL purchase. Sure, the old faithfuls are included.. Patrice Rushen, Chic, Leon Ware etc. and these have all been released before on CD. I am looking for things that have not seen the light of day, tracks that have an appeal outside of Essex and songs such as Chemelion’s "Game Of Life" is among them. I personally hold my hand up to admit I had never heard of this group. This was released on their sole set back in 1981, and I was absolutely blown away by this song, which craftily opens up leading us to believe it is a Latin track on the lines of Marcos Resende & Index, but we soon realise it is a soulful, jazzy stormer that is unparalleled. I nearly died and went to heaven when I heard the enormity of this song. Lovers of fender rhodes keyboards, slap bass and the smack of summertime rhythms will die for this. 1981 was a classic year indeed. 1982 as well, come to think of it: the popular Gwen McCrae is included with the dancefloor filler "Keep The Fire Burning" which wins over any modern tune hands down. Also from 1982 is a track that sent me to heaven. Donald Bryd & 125th Street, NYC’s "Feel Like Loving You Today" is 7 minutes of pure soulful indulgence; a masterstroke song crafted with all the funkiness and sensuousness of Donald Byrd’s trumpet, and the sublime sexiness of Isaac Hayes’ arrangements and production. This is to be played LOUD on the hottest of summer days. It is so wonderful that all I can say is buy the CD and just lay back and soak it up. Will somebody please, please get on with it; stop messing about and just release the proper albums?! Tid-bits are not enough. "Love Byrd", the album from which is lifted, is an absolute must! Anglo Saxon Brown released some classy stuff and " Call On Me" is no exception – pure 70s class. Ronn Matlock’s "Feeling Something" is included, and the liner notes have us believe a re-issue of the man’s Cotillion set is in the pipeline…lets hope this is true. All in all a very well balanced set of old favourites and some hidden gems. Wonderful stuff. WILLIE HUTCH – Sexalicious (G.G. It, 2002) I’ve Got To Get You Back – Sexalicious – All The Way – Leave It Alone – You Can’t Take It Back – Talk To Me – Rock Your Body – Super Lover – I Wouldn’t Have Done It Any Other Way – Piece Of The Action – Keep It Real – Rock This House – Sexy Dancer – Um, Hum Good – Do It To Ya Fans of the great man will not be disappointed. It has been 6 years since the "The Mack Is Back" album, and the wait has been worth it. I get the general feeling that this is actually an amalgam of material that Mr, Hutch has been sitting on for some time. Nothing wrong with that, and I hope he has more tucked away for future release. AS a whole, the album is formulaic, classic. Willie Hutch. He knows what we like and he dishes it up – simple as that. There is no rocket science to this: the music is sexy, the beats are classic and unique in style and the album is effortlessly consistent. I do admit, though that my favourite songs are all huddled up at the beginning of the CD. Midtempo is the order of the day, mainly, and "I’ve Got To Get You Back" is a very good example of it. Hutch’s vocals are deeper than his 70s heyday, but have certainly not deteriorated. Husky, raw and impassioned definitely. "Sexalicious", the title song is straight out of the 1980s and I wonder if a lot of this material stems from then. It is low-down, sexy and damn good. Nice title, too! "All The Way" has some nice guitar work, but like a few other tracks is hampered very slightly by a backing tape that hisses. We are spoilt today by technology aren’t we? Makes us picky! My outstanding top-drawer cut of the whole album is the excellent "Leave It Alone" – I can hear this track sitting pretty alongside mid 80s tracks such as "Somebody Won’t Sleep Tonight" by Frederick. If that isn’t a tasty comparison, I don’t know what is! "You Can’t Take It Back" is classy too and is more modern. I get the feeling the vocals are new, but the tunes aren’t. Again, "I Wouldn’t Have It Any Other Way" exemplifies this, but that darn tape hiss gets in the way! "Sexy Dancer" is very good, hinting at "In And Out" with bluesy guitar thrown in to the mix. Definitely for fans of the great man, and quality lovers alike.  TIMOTHY WILSON – Timothy Wilson (Expansion, 2002) Sugarland Express – It’s Love Baby – Keep It Up Don’t Let It Go Down – Gotta Fall In Love Again – (Wear Your) Red Dress Tight – Follow Me – Who Babe – We Just Can’t Help It A bit of a cult item, this rare set from 1978. Richard Searling’s "Modern Soul Connoisseurs" set last year boasted the coup of obtaining the anthemic "Its Love Baby" and now the big catch has to be getting the rights to the whole darn album, including liner notes from David Cole making the whole package something rather special indeed. This album, originally released on H&L contains something for everybody. "Sugarland Express" is a dancer that leans towards the then contemporary Salsoul style – check out the racy instrumental breaks. I can envisage, God forbid, a number of teeny chart orientated dance acts rushing to their sampling machines for this one. Co-writer is none the less one George Pettus. Could this, perchance be the same gentleman who produced two essential sets for MCA in the 80s and 90s? "Its Love Baby" is nothing short of a 70s classic; what our music was really and truly about at a time when the disco boom was doing more damage then good (as it is today perhaps?). Timothy’s voice is rich, passionate and reminds me of a stripped down less nasal Little Anthony – think of the man’s 1980 song "Your Love" and you’re there. A touch of Philly is utilised on "(Wear Your) Red Dress (Tight)" – trying to capture the Norman Harris feel I think, with a touch of Motown in there too. Doesn’t really do much for me, I fear, this song. What does capture me, though is the superb "Follow Me" which has elements of the late, great Garry Glenn’s vocals on it. The strings swirl, the brass stabs and the vocals are spot on. This is quality, folks! "Who Babe" is very Stylistics in orientation. Not surprising considering the era and the label! This essential album, as that is what it is, is topped off by the summery "We Just Can’t Help It" which is pleasant but not mind blowing. Do yourself a favour, get this CD: its quality, its here and for the taking – and not on some inflated priced collectors’ list on a scuffed piece of vinyl in a tatty cover. AND its expansion – say no more!  DWELE – Subject (UK Virgin, 2003) Poppa Yo (Intro) – Truth – Find A Way – Twuneanunda – A.N.G.E.L. (Interlude) – Day At A Time – Subject – Sho Ya Right – Money Don’t Mean A Thing – Hold On – Kick Out Of You – Without You – Whoop (Interlude) – Lady At Mohogany - A.N.G.E.L. (Reprise) Whilst listening to Richard Searling’s "Soul Sauce" show I heard the "Find A Way" track off this CD and LOVED it. I went straight to CD Universe and saw that people who had bought this had also bought the Donnie, Kindred and Kem albums – and it came highly rated. So far so good! I was then directed toward the forum pages on Soul 247's website where a lively debate was going on about this CD, much to my general amusement, between one side who categorically stated that it was NOT soul, and their opponents who thought otherwise. This intrigued me so I got a copy of the CD and I have given it a very, very good listen. I can’t really see what all the fuss is about. I do start worrying when people start digging in over this sort of thing and pigeon-hole sounds and voices into soul / not soul boxes. Certainly, some will be put off, as this has (erroneously in my opinion) been classified as rap. Well I can hear no rap, and although dear old Dwele is NOT Barrington, Teddy Pendergrass, Keith Washington or whoever, he is definitely NOT rap. Nothing like it. You know me and my taste by now, folks. I have often spat venom at urban, street, rap or whatever it is branded as this week, and I have to say that in my collection you will find J Blackfoot, Tyrone Davis, Sam Dees, Stan Mosley, you name them, right through to Blackstreet, Big Bub, Boyz II Men, III Frum Tha Soul and all that. There is soul in all these artists of that I have no doubt whatsoever. So, I say the same about Dwele. There is a wide spectrum in the soul world and as far as I am concerned this young man definitely has his home in there. I don’t care if he doesn’t sound like a carbon copy of so and so or whats-his-name. All that matters to me as an individual is that I like it. I acknowledge that the more Conservative listener may not go for it, but those who are more liberal should at least give it a shot – and if its good enough for regular airplay on Richard Searling’s "Soul Sauce" then that's good enough for me!!! He is one Soulful DJ and for him I have the utmost regard. BUT, like I say, don’t take my reviews as Gospel – you MUST listen for yourself and make up your own mind! The CD covers sports a sticker with a quote from the long-ago one-time soul magazine "Blues & Soul" that says "take Musiq, Raphael Saadiq and D’Angelo and roll them into one and you have a little idea on how talented this man is". For once I can see from their viewpoint. Dwele, in places, echoes Marvin Gaye’s more sensuous vocals and is sometimes half spoken over a very laid back, midtempo neo soul vibe and is laced with some ethereal keyboards such as my favourite, the Fender Rhodes. I have plenty of favourites on this album and the midtempo songs take the spotlight over the somewhat tedious ballads. "Truth" is a corker, and "Find A Way" really is a crackin’ piece of contemporary soul with a slight (yet quality) street edge. If the classier tracks on Raphael saadiq’s album appealed to you, or even Blu, Impromp2, Portrait and such, then this should be right up your ear canal. He is not the greatest vocalist in the world, granted, but he definitely has his own charm and the chunky sounds and atmospheric keyboards act as a cushion for this style – "Twuneanunda" (eh?!) aptly and amply exemplifies this. Also of note for those with good memories is the executive producer of this CD – whom is no less that RJ Rice of R.J.’s Latest Arrival fame. I had often wondered what hap happened to him! Now we know. Anyway, I digress. The track that has caught the interest of a lot of scribes here in the UK is the Marvin Gaye influenced "Kick Out Of You" which is the best and only worthwhile downtempo cut of note on this album and has caused quite a stir. Not surprising. The jazzy, subtle musical backdrop is deliberately understated as to allow the bass and Rhodes keyboards to accentuate what has to be argued to be the man’s best vocal performance. Excellent as this is, it is shadowed by the Dazz Band / Zapp ish 80s type jogger, "Hold On", that harks back to the capital efforts on Portrait’s "All That Matters" album. Truly magnificent and recommended. Not up everybody’s street perhaps and if money is tight I would, without hesitation, go for the Barrington over this. I would advise a serious listen in a shop or something as a 30-second sound sample on the net really doesn’t do these highlighted tracks any justice at all. I think it deserves a fair shot.  SEAN FRANKS – Sean Franks (Sean Franks, 2003) Unsuccessfully – Picture Perfect – Real Love – Losing You – Fade Away – Cookie Jar – Don’t Run – Special – Sweet Baby – Breath Away – Message In A Bottle – Cry For You – Gently – Shy Away – How Long – Guy Like Me – Simple Words A new name to me – but when I dug a little deeper, Sean Franks is not such a new kid on the musical block. He is, as you may guess from his name, the son of the supremely talented vocal jazz giant, Michael Franks. Sean also worked on his father’s 1990 CD, Blue Pacific ("Art Of Love") and Michael pays back his son with the superb composition "Cookie Jar". So like father like son? Yes and no. I can’t fault this album (bar "Message In A Bottle" – Sting cannot be beaten. Sorry, Sean!). Vocally, Sean has a hefty dose of his father’s velveteen tonsils and is blended with a delightful dose of Stevie Wonder, Jon Gibson and even Jamiroquai! This really does sound great and although Sean doesn’t have the sensitive nuance of his dad, he has a unique voice and once heard you will know exactly who is coming out from the radio with a new song! You know me by now – I’ve been mouthing off long enough for all and sundry (and their next door neighbour’s cat) to know that I adore vocal jazz with more than a drizzle of soul sauce on top. For a perfect feast in this fashion this CD is a la carte! There I was with my feet up and a cup of tea and then along comes this KILLER vocal track out of the Internet radio courtesy of Solar Radio. Having missed the details I was soon put onto "Breath Away" which is in itself enough to pay full import price but to discover a whole CD crammed with gems that equal the brilliance of this song was really something. The first four songs gripped me with their raw, live feel -–a brew of real instruments dealt by expert performers and soulful, wistful vocals by Sean.. In fact, when I heard "Breath Away" I would not have been surprised if it was a new track from Rahsaan Patterson! Yes, that good! "Unsuccessfully", "Picture Perfect", "Real Love" and "Losing You" are crisp and beautifully recorded, and "Cookie Jar" instantly smacks of dad thanks to his lyrical involvement. "Special" flows with the same gusto of its predecessors, but the tempo drops nicely for the top-drawer laid back "Cry For You" which, musically, reminded me of the quality material from the Urban Knights / Frayne Lewis. I also love "Gently" with the wah-wah guitar, Latin guitar and the theme of seduction! I can tell someone had been practising for the song – jolly good show, too! A few songs border on AOR and that is no problem for me. Although quality soul and jazz is my life, I do still love othetr forms of music and similarly with the recent St. Paul effort, ""Fade Away" and "How Long" appeals to my love of Lisa Loeb and that quality US rock style. I really, really like this album. There are classy songs, the vocals are very, very good and there is a healthy mix of light and shade to keep us on our toes. I very much hope that we will be hearing more from this very talented man. Great stuff. Available from Soul Brother and Amazon.com.  FINGERPRINTS – DNA (US M&N Records, 2001) Time Will Tell – Soon Enough – Person Avenue – Sharita – DNA – Song For Art Porter – Mind Games – So In Love – Nice And Easy – Ivory Lane – Never Enough This CD appeared like a bolt from the blue – Solar Radio’s quality DJ Mike Stephens announced this super-classy vocal jazz cut on his show, my attention was riveted and I immediately hit the Internet to find out more! The result of my search is this excellent jazz-fusion album and revelling in the magnificence of the jazz group Fingerprints! First, a bit about the group. Although a new name to me, the band was formed in 1986 by guitarist Roy Machado and bassist Frederick Nicholson who were both attending the University of North Texas. Drummer Kennan Wylie from Austin, Texas soon joined them and so too did saxophonist Claud Hardrick from Wichita, Kansas and on this essential release, features vocalists Tim Jones and Melba Stevens. To say this is a "Smooth Jazz" album would be fair, but for this pair of seasoned ears there is a lot more to it that that. There is a heavy dose or R&B in the arrangements and a lot more texture than your usual, run-of-the-mill, bland formulaic smooth jazz radio-formatter friendly CD. My guess is that if you love the likes of Najee and the late, great Art Porter then you will instantly warm to this album. I am not a great fan of smooth jazz – in fact I am bored stiff of it, but this album really did captivate me – it has yin and yang and plenty of guts when it needs it. The musicians obviously do their thing live and unplugged as often as possible (one of their CDs is called "Reunion Live"). The malleability of the players and the rough edge to their tunes testify that they are used to getting out there, thrilling audiences and dropping some slamming jazz dashed with soulful vocals. This CD has backbone – the funky and edgy beats that punctuate instrumental numbers such as "Person Avenue", "DNA", the Jeff Lorber Fusion-ish "Song For Art Porter", "Mind Games" and "Ivory Lane" show that there is nothing foppish or limp-wristed about the prowess of the musicians ability to jam; to connect funky keyboards, horns and percussion intermeshed with programmed beats and hip-swinging melodies. The more laidback efforts are just gorgeous and I am inclined to think of the fine efforts of Chardavoine’s new CD in composition. The aptly-titled "Nice And Easy" and the lush, west coast flavour of "Never Enough" is just superb and smacks of the quality of Najee’s "Share My World" album. The KILLERS on this CD, though are just mesmerising. The first vocal cut is a semi-instrumental and is full of soul flavours – "Soon Enough" is straight out of the sophisticated bag of the very best Hush Productions produced jazz vocal cuts from the late 1980s. I can’t stop playing this superb song and the current British heat wave is perfect for this kind of midtempo summer tune. "So In Love" features on the essential "Café De Soul 3" and so many will be familiar with this song already. It’s a beautifully sung beat ballad courtesy of the wonderfully talented Ardina Lockhart doing her thing with a floating, dream of a synth line, and sax / keyboard. This really is quality soul music, and I really want to hear more of this band. Although a 2001 release it has only now in July 2003 come to my attention. Please don’t let this very talented and professional group go by without your due attention. Back to fresh CD reviews |
