Monday 9 February 2009

Darryl D. White - Me Holding You

This song is the business! No one could ever possibly replace the late, great genius of Barry White, and his passing left a serious void in the music world. We have had a number of quality – and very successful – musical offspring in the past: The Reddings, Natalie Cole, Lance Ellington, The Whitehead Brothers, Floyd Taylor amongst others, but now is the turn of Barry’s son, Darryl D. White, who is more than capable of carrying on the awesome legacy that his father left us all.

Darryl, when he talks is EXACTLY like his father, and when the dialogue unfolds within the song one could be forgiven for thinking that it was, in fact, Barry White we were listening to. Vocally, though, Darryl has less of his father’s unique vocal, and more of a Will Downing cum Kevin Nash sound, and he projects the higher parts similar to Alton Wokie Stewart. There is still, of course, a deep growl in the mix that stirs from the loins and ends up caressing the ears and it is then that we listen, smile and know that the legacy not only continues, but also is in very safe hands. I am sure that this will be one for the Ladies!

Darryl phrases in a similar fashion to his father, but it is more than clear that Darryl, legacy withstanding, is definitely his own man with his own style. Yet Darryl has nothing to prove. The talent is obvious and who can argue with such a phenomenal genetic heritage?! As for the song itself, the groove of “Me Holding You” is stripped down, gentle and sets out in no uncertain terms to reassure and woo the object of his affections. Utilizing an acoustic guitar and rumbling synth line, the sensuous nature of the song is handled with expert hands.

I tell you this: I have heard a number of songs from the forthcoming album and am very excited about what I hear. If, like me, you are quick off the mark you too can own a copy of a signed single that are very limited. An album will follow later in the year, but if you are as impatient as I am please grab yourself a copy of this excellent debut release. I feel, though, that the best is yet to come!

Barry Towler