Zo - Just Visting Too - 2009 - Chapter 3hree, Verse 5ive music

Zo!, from Detroit, has been making music since 2001, and the latest CD is a collection of very worthwhile and fresh cover versions of tunes that we all know and love from the '70s and '80s. With a vast array of experience, Zo! has crafted this collection perfectly for today's market - one that is sadly overrun with cover sets - and one that demande some originality and uniqueness. Harnessing the talents of good, soulful and altogether wholesome folks such as rapper, Phonté, Sy Smith, Yahzarah, Darien Brockington and Carlitta Durrand this 7 tracker really will be one that you will want to take the time in investing your very hard earned pennies and listening time. I am always wary of artists covering my favourite tunes - especially those written by Leon Ware and performed by Minnie Riperton!!! However, as usual my initial angst went unfounded and thee version of "Perfect Angel" is seductive, new and fresh yet true to the spirit of the original. Yahzarah cannot, of course, meter out such a performance as the late, great Minnie but her vocals are, as we all know, deliciously sexy and perfect for this smooth, warm and audibly exquisite reading for 2009.

A racier and meatier "Nights Over Egypt" doesn't work so well, I fear, but is by no means a poor or bad track. The beats are very much more definite than the original Dexter Wansel composition. Sy Smith's "Crazy You" is gorgeous...a track that would be perfect for that summer barbecue. I could imagine this slipping in nicely on the 2005 release 'Soul of Brazil'. If you don't know that album then please check it out!!! An instrumental version of Don Blackmon's timeless "Holding You, Loving You" is handles with much respect and the atmosphere created by Zo! is respectful and true homage is paid to this track. And why not. It is, after all, a classic, and the working in of early 80s styled fender rhodes keys is very heartwarming indeed. Rapper, Phonté - in my opinion one of the very few exponents of the style worth paying anttention to today - adds his soulful vocal touch to the timeless Bobby Caldwell tune, "My Flame". Again, fans of both his work with Jazzanova and Liquid Spirits will appreciate this. Yahzahra's "Something Special" is BRILLIANT. This has a superb mixture of Norman Connors and Impromp2 and is worth shelling out cash for for this track alone, let alone all the others. The wonderful talent who is Darien Brockington does a grand job on reworking the Isley's classic "The Highways Of My Life (Pt I and II)". It is haunting and addictive, real effort taken to run parallel with Ron Isley's beautiful styling. This is a great release and definitely one for your Christmas stocking!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters - 2009 - Motown

If you saw this release and dismissed it then you're really going to regret it. Big time. This is NOT a crass cash-in on the tragic passing of the genius who was Michael Jackson, nor is it a collection of lollipop pop / soul from the early 70s. It's crammed with some superb Jackson tunes that really should not have been left off their Motown albums. I seriously recommend this on many levels. I have always loved Michael Jackson and it was always obvious that this (then) child star was going to be HUGE. These songs, crafted by the likes of Willie Hutch, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Taylor, the Corporation, Hal Davis and Johnny Bristol are brilliant, with one or two real gems that are beyond essential. How or why these songs were usurped for others is beyond my ken, but thanks to Universal Records stalwart Harry Weinger, they are under the spotlight now. The Freddie Perren-written hand clapper "That's How Love Is" is very well crafted and probably the most crossover song here - this could so easily have been a winner on the hit parade.

The Gene Page arranged, Bobby Taylor penned "Listen I'll Tell You How" from 1969 is a real Motown gem and has the same sort of flavour as Marvin Gaye's "MPG" set - think "It's A Bitter Pill To Swallow" and you're not far off the beaten track. This is superb, it really is. I really am a fan of Smokey Robinson's early '70s sets, and the flavour of the epic cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Man's Temptation"from 1970 harks to Smokey's songs such as "Just My Soul Responding" or "Virgin Man". Utterly brilliant! Another lost hit is "Love Comes In Different Flavors" - a classic sound created by the Corporation in 1970. Willie Hutch's "Love Call" hails from 1972 and the racy pace of the track allows both Jermaine and Michael to interplay perfectly. Such a rich time for music, it's a shame these times are long gone. However, the real shining star on here is the breath taking "Buttercup", a song we all know and love from the late, great Carl Anderson in 1982. Not unlike "All I Do Is Dream About You" which saw it's light of day in 1980, this song was again written by Stevie Wonder for the lads back in 1973 and has only seen the light of day now. This is an essential track and will appeal to lovers of Stevie Wonder's wonderful early 1970s output. I cannot stop playing this track, and I know that once you hear it you will want to snap up this CD. My last pick is the Johnny Bristol track "I'll Try, You Try" which is a socially conscious piece and typical of both Motown at that period and what we came to expect from Johnny's MGM output. Please do not overlook this album as it really is crammed with great material. How much more sits gathering dust in the vaults of Motown?

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Soulpersona - Soulacoaster - 2009 - Digisoul

This is...expansive, ethereal, cosmic soul. And Soulpersona is originally from from Wales! Well, there's lovely for you! Appealing to fans of 4Hero, our man, Soulpersona, treats our ears to a chilled set of songs that bodes us well for the coming new decade. Exemplifying this further, if you really warmed to the more futuristic, sensual modes of soul on Marva King's latest set (think "Lovely") the you will very much know what you are in for. match to this the more lkeft-field moments from 4Hero (aided and abetted by the legendary Larry Mizell) then sonically you bang this album on the head. I defy anyone with an ounce of soul and sensuality in their body to not seriously dig "Flying Easy" featuring the wispish, seductive Marva King-ish Deborah Jordan. This isn't a cover of the Pete Escovedo classic, but a brand new jam of real note. To be honest, the whole album is a weighty item and well worth your serious consideration. Attracting positive comments from the likes of Oliver Cheatham, Patti Austin and Leon Ware, it will be mere seconds of your listening time to hear exactly why the Legends have such positive things to say about this gentleman.

pastimes thinly into your subconscious...if this song doesn't grab you then shame on you!!! The glorious 70s sounding "Walk On Through" complete with flute is simply delightful, and the brilliant "So Natural" featuring Come, check out the dirty, sexy groove "Candy Wrapper". Complete with heavy bassline and guitar this could easily be Mtume for the 21st Century. The slinky vocals courtesy of Princess Freesia lays open more sensual, warm and wet feelings, the emphasis on pleasure and tantalisingveiled under the notion of unwrapping a candy. Such naughtiness so early on in a recording. Very promising indeed! The risque lyrics are veiled in metaphor and yet very sexy indeed. No lewdness or filth here, pure imagination only required! Darien appears on the KILLER "Don't Go". Oh, this is SUPERB! A futuristic yet traditional groove that simply flaotsKia Bennett cannot be beaten. The vocal harmonies easily on par with Zhané, this is a great, great tune. Fans of Liquid Spirits or Jazzanova will so feel the rap vibe of "Alright" - an Erykah Badu type of jam, and a strong rap paying homage to the soul greats. It gets no better. "In Your Eyes" pays such homage to the Ubiquitous soul sounds of Roy Ayers / Ramp and works magnificently. The delicious Deborah Jordan again pleases with the summery "Weightless" and Kia Bennet's "Lifetime" adds some real cold chill to proceedings. The closing call, "Imagine" is yet another KILLER that pays homage to the Roy Ayers sound, and draws to a close one of the most essential albums of the moment. Please do not let this homegrown gem slip away.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Lou Wilson and Today's People - Settle Down / Around The Corner From Love - 2009 - Soul Junction

This gentleman has graced the music world with his presence since the 1950s. It then where he became a founder member of Wade Flemons and The Newcomers, also later recording the hit "Here I Stand" for the legendary Vee-Jay label, then Lou moved onto Kent's subsidiary Supreme with "This Love Is Getting Deeper", as well as a stint with Columbia with "Got To Be Me". The new century has seen a new breath of life into this soulful music veteran, with 3 CDs released culminating in the much acclaimed 2005 release "Blues Groove". The new album (review coming soon!) for Frontline records is a real must, and Soul Junction have lifted these 2 SUPERB tracks to spearhead this release. I love this single to pieces, it takes me back to the accessible southern material that we would have heard on Robbie Vincent's Radio 1 show on a Sunday evening. Think Johnnie Taylor, Lonnie Hill or Mosley and Johnson and you have the makings of a great, great memorable release.

The A side, "Settle Down" is simple and plain down-south soul music that will make your heart sing. As we head towards Christmas and temperatures plummeting lower than my patience threshold, this song will invoke memories of warm breezes, summer days and good, good times. This is a crackin' tune and the catchy hook, synth and sax will do nothing but blow away those winter blues. So classy, this is a great song and well worthy of having been lifted as a collector's single release. The flipside, "Around The Corner From Love" is even better! I hear echoes of the legendary Johnnie Taylor here, and if you love the sound of live, real musicians, then I think this is going to be right up your champs elycees! You simply cannot beat real singing, real music and SOUL. You get all these and more on this single, and I promise you that this is but a mere teaser for the album, "Money Talk". Snap this up!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Soul Harmonics - These Times - 2009 - Freestyle Records

This is a CD that will grab you as much as either Nick Van Gelder or Paul Mac Innes and T.B.O.I did late last year. This is funky, groovy retro dancefloor soul that should shake a few cobwebs from even the most jaded souls such as myself. Freestyle Records are to be thanked for releasing this gem. Again, this shows that the dear old Americans have yet again lost out on releasing quality material and thanks to the more enlightened and musically astute Europeans have served up a seriously strong set of soulful steppers to accompany any of the great tunes of yesteryear on our hallowed dance floors. Sexy vocalist Rachel Claudio makes her mark big time on the opening salvo of tuneage, namely the strong, strong "Miscommunicate". This is a piece of music that pays homage to the stylings of Salsoul and Tom Moulton with plenty of slap bass and freaky keyboards. Ah...2009 doesn't get much better than this does it?!

The effervescent "These Times" complete with Philly styled keyboards and rattling percussion - Candido style - is superb. This is a great, great track and again owes more to the late 70s than the close of the first decade of the 21st Century! Again, vocalist Rachel Claudio works well on this groove, giving her all in a Meli'sa Morgan type fashion. And that can't be bad. If you like this please check out the latest Cool Million single - I know you will love that too. "Coffee" has a brilliant TSOP vibe and, boy, did this make me break out into a huge smile. There's nothing greater than the power of real good music to make you feel fantastic, and as soon as the vibes kick in atop this rattly, shaky vibe one harks back to the days of Vincent Montana Jr. That's good enough for me! The zingy strings and party vibe of "Do You Even Know" add more weight to this album's worth as a serious purchase, and on here the vibe almost strays into early '90s soulful dance a la Ce Ce Peniston. Knowing the good people who frequent this website, I know that this album will definitely be on your wants list. Doubters, should there seriously be any, need look no further than the brilliant dancer "Holding Her Close" for a final, definite push in the right direction. An essential album, and let's face it, the party season IS almost upon is...and it's better to have this in stock that...umm...agadoo?????

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Soulive - Up Here - 2009 - Royal Family Records

Soulive have been providing us with superb tunes for just about a decade now, and this new set is another stepping stone on their remarkable journey. This is seriously groovy, funky and uncompromisingly gritty. If you are into real, proper Jazz-Fusion with backbone AND hob-nailed boots then "Up Here" should be the set that you plumb for. Brothers Neal and Alan Evans along with guitarist Eric Krasno, raw, passionate vocalist Nigel Hall and the Shady Horns (Sam Kininger, Ryan Zoidis) collaborate on this truly flavoursome gumbo of tunes. The first two tracks are seriously funky. Elements of the Meters, Cheyanne's Comin', the Bar-Kays, Booker T and even the J.B.s spring to mind. Not for the faint hearted, oh no. Fans of smooth Jazz (i.e. elevator music) will find this much too rough and racy and may well need smelling salts, a comfy chair and a bag of frozen petit pois on their aching and violently assaulted bonce. Goodness me, the hard guitar element in "The Swamp" has a seriously rocky element - something that the likes of Lenny White, Stanley Clarke and Lee Ritenour used to know well.

The vocal track is superb - very raw, gritty and emotion filled in a catharsistic way; the music hits us full on in a JB's late 60s / Meters / Stax vibe, "Too Much" allows vocalist Nigel Hall to allow his soulful, rough and tough vocals to take flight. Absolutely superb. The horn and Hammond filled "Backwards Jack" reminds me so much of last year's excellent New Mastersounds album. Like that? Well, then you'll like this. I particularly like the guitar line as it reminds me of what Norman Whitfield was fostering in the early-mid 1970s. A break from this heady flow is the dreamy and atmospheric "PJ's" complete with lazy beat and dreamy bluesy guitar a la Eric Gale style. Very refreshing and showing these guys in a smoother and less tough light. "Tonight" soon busts the funky groove back into your face. The scratchy funk of the JBs returns strong here and would not be out of place on a funky Kent Atlantic funk compilation. Another vocal workout that wins a thumbs up! Fans of the Meters' "Soulful Strut" will lap up the late 60s hip and trendy "Hat Trick" cut without question. I absolutely adore tracks - and albums - such as this. Check out the superb bridge on this!!!!! And, hey, it's 2009! "For Granted" also kicks ass, and the big surprise comes at the end...a version of Outkast's "Prototype". Now, if you don't know this song then PLEASE check out the original version...it's a KILLER soul track on an otherwise juvenile and brain-dead rap album! Soulive add their own flavour on this version and make a grand job. BUT...they haven't beaten the original! This is a great CD for those who love jazz and a whole lotta funk.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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The Whispers - Thankful - 2009 - Kingdom Records

The Whispers...one of my favourite vocal groups of all time, and Magic as one of my favourite writers / producers together again, and along with Unified Tribe come together to create a WONDERFUL gospel set that will appeal to both secular and non-secular ears. Myself, I have no truck with any faith whatsoever, and to like this set very much should give an example of how good this CD is. Musically we are in serious soul music heaven. Magic knows EXACTLY how to pair a well-crafted tune to the Whispers' unique harmonies and to Walter and Scotty's gorgeously smooth vocals. I usually shy well away from material like this as purely I find it uncomfortable to listen to, but the guys work so well on this that the subject matter becomes irrelevant. This is a great, great Whispers album which all concerned pull out all the stops to deliver to you. It's also knowing that they are cooking up a secular album for release in 2010 which really gets my juices running!

From the outset we are onto a clear no-risk disc. "Did You Know" is pure class, a typically strong traditional Whispers downtempo effort, and the following cut "For Thou Art With Me" is not as difficult for me to digest as I had thought. Such wonderful music and harmonies - these guys are craftsmen, no more no less. If you read my interview with Magic of late then you will know that the Whispers were covering Unified Tribe's gorgeous "Living Without You", this time the emphasis is different but they really do gel with this gentle, yet powerful melody. Gorgeous stuff. "One More Change" really allows Walter and Scotty to lay down their classy vocals to full effect, and the SUPERB "This Is How I Feel", complete with full live instrumentation is knock-out, it really is. Also check out the KILLER "We Need You", complete with Dexter Wansel type Philly keyboards and percussion. This is a great, great track. Please don't shy away from this album. Essential.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Various Artists - Stars On Broadway - 2001 - Lovebeams

This is NOT a Broadway album! Trust me! Fans of John Barrowman will be heartily disappointed! Released in 2001 and very much available from CD Baby, this CD is very welcome indeed. This album is special in that it is a charity disc for the Broadway Cares / Equity Fights Aids foundation, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the CD goes straight to that charity in order to ensure direct support to people in the entertainment industry affected by HIV / AIDS; to provide assistance to organisations nationwide in the US that serve others affected by the disease and also to promote awareness as well as generate funds. This is such an evil and unnecessary disease and such a worthwhile cause that the fact that the CD is excellent almost gets relegated into simply being a bonus. This CD created a buzz in the US on radio and had created a lot of interest in the artists appearing on the CD. This is a fine collaborative effort which is the brainchild of Dwayne C. Palmer who is a very talented lyricist who has plenty of creativity in his hands as a hair stylist as well as in his pen. Take a listen to his new work on the Melba Moore and Phil Perry CD where he has written the best and most fine cut of all, "We'll Be Together Then". With its heart firmly on its sleeve and its sensibilities firmly rooted in quality soul this is a must-have album. A Lady called Capathia Jenkins features a lot on this album and she is a very, very classy vocalist indeed. Of the 12 tracks on offer, 5 are from this Lady. Her fine skills adorn the Beverly Glen inspired “In You” which has that classic lyrical pitch and phrase which we associate with Anita Baker or even Rosie Gaines. Worth it for this track alone, but Christiane Noll comes up trumps with the intriguing “I’m In Love”. The song’s opening lyrical phrasing and melody are extremely similar to Lalah Hathaway’s “I’m Coming Back” but that is fine by me; one cannot help but hark back to the Gary Taylor penned song from 1990.

We have a gentleman called Darryl D’Bonneau who is a BREATHTAKING singer who has echoes of the legendary Chuck Cissell, and there are even echoes of Brotherly Love / The Chestnut Brothers on “I Won’t Leave You Alone”. This classy midtempo monster is just excellent and really ought to be getting some serious rotation here in the UK and Europe on quality radio shows. “Never Alone” from the gorgeous Shoshana Bean will gratify those who loved the first (and best) Chanté Moore CD from 1992. Think “Precious” and you will get the gist of how this lovely Lady approaches her song. Blue-eyed soul comes in the guise of Jason Paige with his raw and satisfying “For Life” which features some really nice guitar. The wonderful Capathia Jenkins returns on the exquisite “Take Me Away” which oozes quality - again showcasing her velvety smooth vocals. To say I have had worn this song out is an understatement. If, however, you are looking for a GREAT male vocalist I cannot recommend Robert H. Fowler enough - I hear D Macon and elements of the legendary Al Johnson in this man’s ample, capable voice. Finally, a great groover can be found in the catchy “Good Lover” by our good friend Capathia Jenkins. This is the sort of thing one would expect Expansion to pick up on for one of their excellent compilations. Who knows - but what I do know is that you will love this CD and what can be better than a good CD for a very worthwhile cause? Available from CD Baby. Please do not overlook.

Barry Towler

Jeff Ramsey - My Best - 2009 - Jeff Ramsey

Oh, it is so, so , so great to have a full album from this phenomenal vocal talent. A collaborator with the wonderful James Day on both his Expansion releases, the mighty Jeff Ramsey really does step forward and deliver his best. This man is so powerful vocally that I personally believe that he would be more than suited to a mighty group so like the Temptations. This man possesses a strong, soulful traditional approach to singing and he does so with real conviction, power and confidence. There is no false, macho swagger here that is so prevalent with many younger bucks these days. Jeff's talent speaks for itself, no posturing necessary. The CD itself, well...track one will render the album an essential purchase, and that is a real solid track which will have you hitting the purchase button IMMEDIATELY. Fans of the soulful, sturdy sounds of Kloud 9 at their best will totally love this track and will want it in their collection for definite.

The chunky flow follows on with the vibrant "Just Let Me Love You" and the excellent stepping groove of "Move On (Back In The Day)" will not disappoint either. What I like about this set and the tone is that the beats and bass do not override the soul or the strength of the vocals...there is no jostling for your attention. The beats may underlie a toughness but the smooth and silky vocal approach calms even the most savage of beats. The awesome "I Know That You Want 2" will appeal to those of you who love the early Y2K Temptations sound, Y2K G C Cameron or even Serieux. This is solid, dependable and FUNKY. "Speechless" is an 80s vocal workout attached to a more rumbly Y2K funky groove and this works very well indeed. "I Want U More" is a real favourite of mine, a real traditional outing that will sink deeper and deeper into your subconscious. This, my dear readers, is the power of great music and a great singer! "Fly So High" is a winner, more relaxed and laid back Jeff's effortless vocals find a real home on this kind of groove. There are 2 hidden tracks on this CD...not listed on the cover. The first of these songs is a KILLER ballad and as Robbie Vincent would say, you definitely need an adult present for this song!!!!! What a great track. SUPERB. This album is essential!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Donald Sheffey - See You Tonight - 2009 - Weezie

A mere year after the highly acclaimed "Let's Be Lovers" album, Mr. Donald Sheffey hits us with his follow-up album, "See You Tonight", which is equally as tasty as before. Donald Sure is, as his CD Baby bio rightly says giving music back to the people. Donald is one of those rare commodities in the music world these days - young, gifted and unfettered by the negativity and diktats of the major label conglomeration. And doing things his own way is not doing this gentleman any injustice either. Vocally, as I said before, I hear elements of Randy Wilson and The Brothers Johnson, and the music on which the vocals partner up is smooth, soulful, real and exactly what us connoisseurs want to hear. I don't care what some people say, there is definitely a market for this material. The problem has been that the market has been controlled and channelled by those unsympathetic and ignorant to real music. I hope that artists such as Donald carve their own niche and profligate their music far and wide. This CD has the ability to do this, a buoyant mixture of ballads, midtempo numbers and steppers to give any ear enough variety.

A ballad to get the juices flowing is the soulful, yet jazz tinged, "My Heart", complete with real instruments including my favourites sax and flute, this is a warm opening song perfectly suited to the dark, dank days where we need to light the candles, draw the curtains and snuggle up. More programmed but no less impressive is the radio friendly and catchy "I'll Be Here" and there is also the excellent uptempo slightly Salsoul number "Tonight" which has the overtones of a classy Wil Wheaton number. I also appreciate the early 90s sounding thumper "I Don't Want You Back". This had me thinking of, say, Mass Order or Ten City during their Columbia period. Very moreish indeed! The melodic "Waiting" will not disappoint, and the yearning lyrics can and will be felt by those of you who harbour a loving feeling for anyone. The CLASSIC sounding "On My Mind" will certainly wow you. This is a melody that will haunt and has every indication of a Norman Connors influence a la his "This Is Your Life" album. Talking of influences, Will Downing springs to mind with the gloriously vivacious "Let's Go Away". So, Donald comes up trumps again and again...please check out all of his albums as all have more than their fair share of moments and this gentleman knows how to shine.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe