soulchoonz Y2K album reviews

A new era

2011-04-29T18:05:00.001+01:00

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Carla Thomas - Presents Nine To Five - 2011 - Carla Thomas

2011-03-07T09:34:00.003Z

Carla Thomas - not THE Carla Thomas, you understand - is a refreshing new UK artist who is rolling up her sleeves and wading into the waters to try and attract your attention. Vocally Carla is nothing like her namesake. For my well-bashed ears, Carla lies somewhere between a subdued Evelyn 'Champagne' King and a lilting Mica Paris. Carla has written or co-written all 12 songs on her debut set, and influences abound on here, all of which are healthy. The first track on this prospective release is a healthy early Zapp-like affair. Think 1980 - 1983 and their first three days. Almost, too, a flavour of Kool & The Gang. Damn right when Carla recants that "working nine to five doesn't pay the bills". So is the experience of most decent, hard working people today. Soul music is supposed to strike a chord and resonate. Carla manages this, and reminds many new artists and their money-orientated besuited corporate record execs that there is more to music than a quick buck.

"Sunshine" - something we seem to be enjoying, dare I say it at the moment! - is a very Mica Paris-like track with a lovely ethereal synth line and gentle guitar line. Both relaxed yet groovesome, this young lady is at home on this sort of groove. I really think that songs like this should garner some solid airplay for her, especially exhibiting her knowledge, appreciation and huge musical nod towards Mr. Roy Ayers and his 1976 Classic "Everybody Loves The Sunshine"! Talking of Roy Ayers, "Mystic Voyage" is sampled - shamelessly! lol - on "Leave Me Alone". The spangly guitar of "Satisfy" flows very nicely with a great mid '90s beat and rhythm that reminds me of US groups such as UNV or Portrait. this is a really, really good song. This is a song that will really get into the old grey matter and get the old fingers and toes going. Not whilst driving, though...I know the old 'steering wheel bongos' are tempting but please don't tap your feet whilst in motion!!!

"Hard For You To Say" is a quality item throughout with a flexible vocal performance and features a few lines from Alexander O'Neal's "A Broken Heart Can Mend" as an interpolated lyric, showing yet again a healthy musical background and influence. The 90s-like "Show Me" also pleases the ear and shows us that Carla is no one-trip pony. The cautionary "Caught Out" sees our heroine the victim of a cheated heart and is followed up by a tasty number called "Know You Got The Rhythm" with plenty of soul, warm keys and edgy guitar. Aping Aretha Franklyn's "Respect" and taking her hat off to what is "the groove", Carla Thomas delivers what I feel is the strongest track on the album. Easily a standout, one can hear Carla at her best and gives us an indication of what we may have with a bit of time, dedication and support. Classy! Please check out this Lady and support a new UK act with her head and heart in the right place.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Donald Sheffey - Between You And I - 2011

2011-02-28T09:26:00.007Z

Donald Sheffey has already impressed us over recent years with sets full of real soul, mellow vibes and toe-tappers. 2011 sees another release that will not fail to make a strong impress. This twelve-tracker sees a more rounded, more confident and – dare I say – smoother Donald Sheffey. The set, entitled “Between You And I” is more than a romantic patsy – more like a deeper, vocal / musical covenant between Donald, his writers and producers and you and I, the listener. Oh, and there is dynamic here and mutual transaction. It’s obvious that Donald and the gang have put their heart and souls into this album and many tracks elicit from us warmth, joy and definitive, solid appreciation. Vocally I am still as impressed as I was on first hearing his voice; his warm, resonant vocal quivers with the timbre of either George or Louis Johnson. It’s this silkiness that makes the set a real winner. Fans of Y2K real soul will melt into the lullaby-like “For Your Love” which gets more and more essential on each play. This is independent soul that really has some solidity to it. A real treat is the slightly Latin “Gifted” with a sumptuous backing and gorgeous sax, dreamy keys and lyrics that are positive and heart-warming. Written by Soulchoonz’ very own Di-Lee and features keys from from legendary Producer Tony Camillo, and sax solo by Scott Grimaldi. If you’re tired of the drab, grey and wet weather and long for warmer days...then hit track 2 and dream along to this!

Track 3, “Good Times” with its freaky keyboards and clapping beat takes us back to the 80s again, a place where I am very comfortable indeed. The uptempo “I’m Bumping” is a twist - no pun! - on the old dance, "the bump" which was a big thing from the 50s right through to the days of Soul train. The song, fun and vibrant injects more than a little warmth, and I think that you'll really get into the bump! I am also inclined to delve into the warm pool that is “In Love”. Unashamedly romantic, Donald Sheffey reminds me, yet again, so much of one of the Brothers Johnson on vocals and the tune is akin to something that we may expect from, say, Bryan Loren. Taking on a jazzier note with a persistent metallic rolling beat, “Loving You Today” adds some real vitality and spice to the proceedings. Back in the 80s we were inundated with tracks entitled “Stepping Out” – think 10dB and George Howard for starters – and here we are again in 2011 with a slightly Housed up beat that will appeal to fans of Soulful House as well as all the Chicago Steppers out there! Fans of a funkier, 70s keyboard will like the appeal of “Take You Home” and the driving, live feel is particularly impressive. Talking of which is our tenth track, “Time Out For Love” which is immaculately structured and paced. Donald, being a proper bonafide singer is perfect on this kind of song. I would say those who don’t dig to deep may find this song twee, but if so then it may well be that one hasn’t tuned in enough. It’s a piece that plays on Donald’s nuances, his flow and the flute and live drums act as a hushed support for his ever-present vocal abilities. The set closes with its dancing shoes on and “What You Need” draws the curtains on “Between You And I” nicely. Available from March 15th!

Barry Towler

The Vibe scribe

Al Olive - Dream - 2010 - Al Olive

2011-01-03T17:53:00.006Z

This is the album I have been eagerly awaiting. "Slow Down", played on radio by Ralph Tee and included on Soul Togetherness 2010 is, for me, one of THE standout tracks of 2010. We've not had to wait too long for a full album from this massive talent, and I am sure that there will be something for everyone on it. The hit song is included here as you would expect but in a slightly remixed and extended form. It's lost THAT special fluid 1980s flavour, perhaps, from the original version for me and that's still not important. Why? It does, though, have extra haunting synths that are really, really tasty. STILL the song is a monster and this is EXACTLY the type of soul / R&B record that I want to hear in 2011. Record companies, are you listening? No, I thought not. Where I compared this groove to the sadly missed Luther Vandross, on many tracks we hear echoes of the vocal facets of Gerald Alston, Al Johnson and even Brian McKnight in the vocal arrangements.

Track two, "Dream" could easily be lifted from Brian McKnight's latest set. A song that totally floored me was track four, "There For You". Imagine Al Johnson produced by Brian McKnight on a song similar to "Anytime"...that is how essential this song is. I was in my car driving up the M25 when I first heard this and I can honestly say that if I hit repeat once I must have hit repeat half a dozen times. You know a certain song that grabs you, makes you really sit up and take notice...this is one of those songs. Add to this the amazing female backing vocals then...wow...simply wow. Almost on par with this is a song called "Never" and the haunting synths and piano line work well and the real instrumentation is second to none. The programmed "L.O.V.E" is worth a spin too, and the smouldering "Heartache" will appeal to fans of the old Soul'd Together compilations in the early 90s. Think Randy Wilson or Claytoven. Whatever happened to these artists and that label?! Anyway, fans of the man from the song they have heard will not be disappointed, and enough exists on here to appeal to a wider, radio-frindly pop/soul audience. And there's nowt wrong with that. What Al Olive has done is keep true to himself and NOT pander to the thug element. 'Nuff respect, Al. Keep on doin' what you're doin'.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Jameil Aossey - The Euphonious Suite - 2010 - Aossey Entertainment

2010-12-17T11:35:00.003Z

The Euphonius Suite is a mix of various styles, all of which are music to the ears. Fans of Impromp2, Skalp and Jon B should find this set really in their comfort zone. Musically we are talking Impromp2 territory with an emphasis of a funky, warm Fender Rhodes filled summertime early '80s vibe. For some there may be too much reliance on rap BUT this isn't the brain-dead, finger-pointing, booty-shaking sort. Think classy with a Patrice Rushen / Freddie Washington vibe with the slab bass, soaring sax and warm keys. This set should have been in my hands in the summer, albeit typically brief. On the first track, Jameil lays out his stall. "Classy" says it all really. Sweeping aside who he calls the 'booty rappers' Jameil's guest rapper is Charles Lane and the vibe is SUPERB! You cannot fail to get into this groove, you really can't. The sax here is almost in Ronnie Laws' territory. Soulful rap with real spirit, and expertly laid down to boot. I really have all the time in the world for material like this that strikes a good balance and embraces genres...as long as it's done well. Jameil and his colleagues have certainly done that..

Charles lane's rap on "Koolwhip" is perfect for the summery 80s groove - fans of Snoop Dogg will dig this, as will those who appreciate funky early 80s vibes. My favourite track is the luxuriant downtempo ballad featuring Charles Lane on vocals sounding very much like Johnny Britt from Impromp2, complete trumpet and flute. This is SUPERB and I cannot stop playing this song!!! "We Don't Know" ups the tempo and includes some great alto sax from Andre Matthews, Charles lane sounding very much like A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip. Please do NOT be put off by these songs as they are very, very soulful and the rap - you know I am NOT a fan - is actually very good indeed. "Dreamin'" may well cool the brows of those who don't - the eerie synth and 80s flow is brilliant and the rap is more along the lines of Impromp2 or Skalp. A jazzy effort is "Classy Lady" featuring Rob Lee on Rhodes and Bass. This soon kicks off into a funky groove with plenty of tinkling ivories, stoic beats and cool, cool real singing by the multi-talented Charles lane. Add the sax and piano then this adds up to a great, great song. An all-round classy, fresh and jovial set that spans Soul, Funk, Jazz and Hip Hop. An excellent year-ender!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

SounDoctrine - Inspire - 2010 - Nianana Records

2010-12-16T11:28:00.008Z

SounDoctrine by virtue of name and artwork may fool you into thinking that it's some rubbish rap / Hip Hop album along the likes of D12 or something. Well, thankfully, it isn't. Billed as Funkjazzfusion, this album represents a number of talented artists who collaborate on a set of quality soul tunes, jazzy instrumentals and contemporary - yet not crass - R&B efforts. A few names on here are familiar to us all - Carlton J. Smith, Marlon Saunders and Jere B to name a few, and other lesser known names work together to deliver a fine set of independent soul, funk and jazz tunes. Jere B is the man overseeing this project, and 14 tracks have been created for your listening pleasure. Sets like these have helped make 2010 a very good year for our music.

Marlon Saunders never fails to deliver, be it on his own work or production for other artists and on "Just Think" he has given us yet another strong, strong effort. Again, Marlon relies on real instruments and melodies and the warm keyboards, funky rhythm and scratchy guitar and pieced together with a summery guitar that takes us back to the early 80s. Asking us to think about better times, happier times and those things and people that we once had Marlon encourages us to re-evaluate our place in the world, taking it to the streets. Socially conscious, Marlon is a master of this type of theme and gets full marks for this effort. The synth that ends the song, too, is as haunting as you like and has had numerous rewinds so that I can enjoy it again and again and again! The conscious theme is continued with Larry Johnson and Stefano NuSoul with "Brother's Keeper. Filled with positivity, they implore us to let our lights shine. Nothing wrong with that and songs that not only mean well but contain real wisdom and not superficialdom always win my vote!

Instrumentals "Marriage" and "Sacred Place (For Gary)" are both SUPERB. Real instrumentation and properly in the jazz fusion bag we are not left wandering around a shopping mall or going up and down in an elevator on these tunes. The Wes McCann guitar is perfect as are the vibes and sax on both. Delicious! A song that I implore you to listen to carefully, and give a real chance to, is "Meant To Be" which is a contemporary R&B ballad featuring Stefano NuSoul and Jasmine Thompson. The music is lovely yet it has an appeal to the younger ear...if an old grumpy guts like me can appreciate this song then I'm sure you will like it too. The lyrics are lovely and the vocal arrangements are also quite clever. No use of auto-tuning either, to their credit. This almost sounds like a new track from, say, Najee or Brian Culbertson. Think Avant and Faith Evans for example guesting. Not usually my bag, but the gorgeous melody, the lyrics and Keith McKelly's sax is SUPERB. Think Najee and you're right there. Another funky instrumental features Keith McKelly, sounding very much like Everette Harp, along with Cliff Barnes and Paul Douds on piano and acoustic guitar. Topping everything, though, is the final song, "(That's Why) It's Called Love" featuring Kent Wallace, Nadir Omowale, Janet White and Janis Jones. This is real quality modern soul and renders the CD essential. A must-have release and no better to end 2010.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Eric Benét - Lost In Time - 2010 - WEA

2010-12-03T19:25:00.006Z

Since Eric Benét stepped out on his own we have been treated to some awesome work and, like other 21st Century soul artists such as Kem, have been allowed by their Major label masters to create what they do best - soul music, and NOT what the homeboys – those not even born in the late 1980s, or were still in diapers - want. This rates as Eric's most consistent and essential set to date. On here Eric relates to us his true soulful nature and his healthy love and respect for the sweet Philly soul sound. It's blatantly obvious that Eric is a fan of the likes of Thom Bell. He has worked with his team to create a faithful representation of that idyllic sound but in a 2010 setting and my only regret is that he has not worked with Thom Bell himself...I would give anything to have this great man make a return to the recording studio and the likes of Eric Benét would be ideal a vehicle for his talents.

Every track is a winner...the Stylistics-like groove, complete with lush strings and sitar is immediately present on our platform track, "Never Want To Live Without You". To be honest, I would have bought this CD purely on the strength of this and this alone BUT the fact that every other song on this CD is equally as essential just makes my heart and soul sing. Kiddie's artist Faith Evans even sounds good (albeit with some computer tweaking) on the Emotions / EW&F sounding "Feel Good" and adds to her recent album that sees her start to grow up musically, albeit a little. Fans of New York City and the Stylistics early 70s sound will so love track 4, "Always A Reason" - a phenomenal track that really hits my heart. Songs like this with real talent, real orchestration and crafted with love and quality make me feel so warm, and this great sound feels perfect at this time of the year. I'll be playing this yet again today as I get the Christmas tree ready!

The Philly connection is strong with the legendary Eddie Levert stepping up to the mic to deliver the string-laden, wah-wah filled uptempo number "Paid". This is SUPERB! It’s really great to hear Eddie back in the studio doing his thing. The great man has had such devastating losses recently and this performance shows his inner strength coming to the fore. Chrisette Michelle workd well on the wonderfully arranged effort "Take It", the bassline is to die for as is the flute and piano lead. The vocalist is also competent and certainly far better than a lot of today's nasal whiners. The strings and horns that fill "Stir It Up" are magnificent. Again, "Lost In Time" gets a Thom Bell approach and ticks all the boxes and Ledisi comes on strong with a great performance with "Good Life" Mind you, ANYTHING is better than her last album which was the biggest pile of doo-doo I'd heard in ages. Welcome back, Ledisi! As usual, Eric Benét ends the album on a mighty strong note..."Something's Wrong" is a KILLER and with sadness we realise the CD is over. It is a magnificent thing that a major label today can allow a beautiful CD like this. Of course, many moons ago before the likes of Teddy Riley and his clones swept away adult R&B, this was perfectly normal as a release from the big boys. Hopefully some sanity will set in and these labels will release we are not ALL rap fans, ganstas or children. Albums like this are timeless and replenish the soul. More!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe.

Eumir Deodato - The Crossing - 2010 - Expansion

2010-12-02T20:10:00.004Z

Deodato is a legend...his own work, his Latin pieces and his Funk offering with the likes of Kleeer in the 80s are sublime. I was overjoyed to see this, his new album, and what a corker it is. Full of blinding midtempo numbers with plenty of real rhythm and beautifully warm keyboards. Listening to this is, I'm sure, melting the 6-odd-inches of snow that I can see from my window! With this album, Deodato draws upon a wealth of vocal talent to bring his already vibrant songs and melodies to extraordinary life. It's thanks to this man that we have the best vocal work from Al Jarreau this side of his "All I Got" album in 2002. Al Jarreau gives us a top-draw performance on no less than three songs, "Double Face" both as an ordinary mix and a radio mix, and with the talented group Novecento and their lovely vocalist Dora Nicolosi on the gorgeously sexy "I Want You More". The famous scat is prominent on the aforementioned effort that almost spans 6 minutes. Surely this is the best midtempo Mr. Al Jarreau has given for years! Al is vocally strong as ever, undeminished and still very much in command of a song as he was 35 years ago. An international treasure, we surely have the man at his 21st Century best here.

An odd inclusion to proceedings is, perhaps, Londonbeat who gave us a few chart toppers in the late 1980s here in the UK, but here they are on this awesome funky groove and they sound FANTASTIC! Deep, powerful, distinctive and captivating are the only words to describe Jimmy Helms' vocals. Nice to hear this guy's great vocals again. Definitely on this type of material too. We only have to skip forward two songs to "No Getting Over You" and we are treated to Londonbeat again. This time we have a more summery, dreamy track and one that suits Jimmy's vocals perfectly. Guitarist John Tropea adds his ample skills to the Latin flavoured "Night Passage", and with an electric guitar performance akin to Santana or Carlos Rios, this effort is very much in an essential vein. He also provides his licks to the equally impressive instrumental "Summertime", and this time supported by a superb string section and warm 70s keys that take us right back to the days of Eddie Russ and Lonnie Liston Smith...this is a winter blues buster!

Continuing in a Jazzy and funky vein is the superb "Rule My World" which features the sublime Novocento and their delicious vocalist Dora Niciolosi pitted against Billy Cobham's experb drumming. Billy Cobham is a legend and so is Eumir Deodato...two legends and a sexy young talent such as Dora and her amazingly talented band members is simply out of the box! Legends aplenty here with Brazillian percussionist Airto Moreira on board with "Border Line", and proceedings really do get hot on here. I particularly like the sexual, rhythmic bassline, the eerie synth and warm 70s keys...sheer brilliance :) Closing the set is an edit of Al Jarreau's wonderful opening effort, and although this is but a 9 track set EVERY track is a winner...I did not expect the set to be as strong as it was, and on that basis I think that it would be a great idea to scribble down this title on your Christmas list and lob the letter up the chimney to Father Christmas ASAP...this would definitely be better than an old Satsuma in the jolly old stocking! Three cheers to Santa Tee and all soulful little helpers at Expansion!!!

Barry Towler
the Vibe scribe

JD73 - Pure Gold - 2010 - Z Records

2010-11-25T11:35:00.005Z

Having a healthy respect for Z Records and all things Dave Lee is a good starting point when talking about new music from the great man and his label, and this new set from this amazing UK group based in Leeds. No longer do the Great Cities of the US have monopoly on great music. That they gave up many years ago. Influenced by legends such as Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen, Bob James, Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien, Rod Temperton, Michael Jackson, Pfunk, Eddie Henderson, George Duke, Pleasure, Prince, D'Angelo, Jimmy Smith, Brian Auger, Dexter Wansel and others group members Rachel Modest (vocals), Johnny Heyes (guitars), Jay Irving and Simon Moore (drums) deliver a KILLER album of soulful, upbeat boogie tunes that whisk us back to the early 1980s yet still have their roots firmly in 2010 and all things Z!!! One of the best albums of 2010 I can do nothing but heap praise on this set. Today's yester-now sound fused with storming basslines, soulful vocals, real instruments and more grooves than you can shake a stick at, "Pure Gold" serves as an apt title for this remarkable album.

Kicking off with an Earth, Wind & Fire groove we have a track called "Fantasy" - NOT an EW&F cover but a truly scintillating uptempo number with brassy flairs and gorgeous funky moogs. Vocalist, Fraser, works the groove with his smooth style and in places reminds me of Jamiroquai. This is no bad thing, but I hope he doesn't overtake me on the A12 as madly as dear old JK does in those flash cars of his! Brass and groove is the order of the day and Miss Modest lays down vocals on the awesome groover, "Pure Gold". These two tracks alone make the set more than essential but hey! We have the rest of the album to go through yet! The UK's very own Nate James has never sounded so good on the brilliant early 80s sounding "Written In The Stars", and fans of the Sunburst Band will immediately fall into line with these songs, they really will. Again Frazer steps up to the Mic for "Step By Step", and blows the cobwebs away.

"Think Twice" featuring Ella May is pure Sunburst Band and oozes summertime flavours. Although this is not a cover of the Donald Byrd song from 1975, the vocal refrain is certainly aped on here and, again, is a nice throwback to a far warmer, friendlier musical age. From this era we move to a crackin' mid 80s synthy soul / Club vibe with "Round And Round" - this adds some real light and shade, and what better than a stomping 80s groover on an icy, cold and snow-threatened day such as today?! The sound familiar to us a la The Controllers' "Stay" hits us on the 80s inspired interlude "Storm Chaser" - this deserves to be a full song. I LOVE this type of groove. Brilliant stuff!!! This leads into a foxy 70s outing that would make Randy Muller smile. "Supersexy" has elements of Messrs Muller and Burgess, and will get a few feet moving on the dancefloor! Trust me, this is one hell of a CD and you can order this blind. An amazing release and perfect for the festive season that is fast approaching!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Nicola Conte - Other Directions (Expanded) - 2010 - Schema

2010-11-16T10:52:00.003Z

This superb Jazz set was issued, originally, in 2004 and provide my first ever contact with the SUPERB Schema Records. This was an instant love affair, and one that continues to this very day. A label of high esteem and quality we can be rest assured that nothing lacklustre will be unleashed on us from this strong, strong label out of Milan. Roll forward to 2010, and in their wisdom Schema have released this set again, but this time as a double CD with new, bonus cuts on disc 2 as well as alternate versions of songs such as "Wanin' Moon" and "Nefertiti". Some songs were - shock! horror! - only released previously on the dreaded vinyl so appear here properly for the very first time in crystal clear CD quality. We deserve no less, us connoisseurs! These songs, "Bohemian's Dilemma", "Waltz Of The Sirens" and an extended version of my all-time favourite, "Kind Of Sunshine" appear and thank heavens to Betsy for it too with it's extended and frenetic percussion and horns. If you're not familiar with this set, then I highly recommend a listen as I know that fans of Mario Biondi, Was A Bee and Alessandro Magnanini will also love this. My favourite song remains as "Kind Of Sunshine". Man, when I first heard this song I had a proper bonafide Adrenaline rush! Playing this loud the latin percussion, hectic percussion and Fabrio Bosso's Fred Wesley-ish trombone solo truly nailed it for me big time and having a slightly longer version is a real treat too.

On disc 2, "Charade" is a track that I am hitherto unfamiliar with, and with a great piano based line and floating flute, vocalist Lisa Bassange is able to create a deliciously jazzy atmosphere that is both romantic and rhythmic. Michael Buble, anyone? No, I thought not. Unreleased, "Danubian" with a seriously strong double bass, vibes and drums by Lorenzo Tucci this is a KILLER track. The backing vocals are not credited but hark back to those used by classic Brazilian artists such as edu Lobo back in the heady Bossa Nova 1960s. Call this Nova Bossa Nova if you will. Also unreleased is "Teardrop Painted Blue", a bouncy effort complete with vibraphone and Bembe Segue on vocals. This great '60s sound in a smart, snappy and 2010 fashion proves that what is magical and timeless will always remain so. Also unreleased is the superb vocal cut, "Quiet Stars" featuring, again, our heroine, Bembe Segue. This material could have been recorded many years ago but is very Today, Modern and on-the-ball. It's a brilliant, brilliant song and I hope that Schema stay true to their colours and maintain a level of musicianship, craft and quality that we have grown to know and love. Total respect to Nicola, Schema and all the multi-talented musicians, singers and staff involved. This lover of REAL music salutes you all.

Barry towler
The Vibe Scribe

Winston Ward - The Warmth Of Of Your Love - 2010 -

2010-11-16T10:36:00.003Z

This man is no stranger to us, and if you have rightly supported the excellent trio, Lov'N'It over the past year then you are indeed already familiar with this man's silky, soulful delivery. Having worked within the music scene here in the UK over the past 14 years, Winston has garnered a lot of kudos and respect and so smoothly steps out , carrying the torch for UK soul music with this, his new single "The Warmth Of Your Love". Available to download from iTunes, this comes in two versions: a shorter edited version and an extended mix. Of course, where quality is concerned we are not left wanting and what I'll do here is focus on the extended version which I think will be the version we will all plumb for.

This is, by definition a Soulful House track. I know that many have yet to dip their toes into the House Music scene, but should those brave enough do so they will be wonderfully surprised at the sheer talent of the artists and songs that they will find there. Many new US House songs come complete with strings, horns and a real boogie / disco flavour, compounded with warm 70s keys and THAT resounding beat. Along comes Winston from jolly old Blighty and adds a little more magic to that genre with his fine uptempo offering. From the rattling bongos, Brazilian party whistle and classic hi-hat house beat a la Sterling Void / CeCe Rogers Winston Ward throws in some warm Lonnie Liston Smith styled keyboards, flanged vocals and real soulful vocals that our very own Omar would be proud of. This isn't bass heavy, and my only criticism - IF you can call it that - is that it needs a bit more oomph in the bass department. That aside, soulful vocals, soulful instrumentation and the racing hi-hat make this a dancefloor bubbler of excellent proportions. G’wan! Head over to iTunes and download now! A real joyful song and highly recommended!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Fede4Real - Jazzylicious - 2010 - Fede4real

2010-11-14T20:35:00.002Z

Fed4Real is the alter-ego of Frederico Manuel Nomo Fernandez and following his recent soulful offering, "Funk Temple", this young gentleman dishes up a real treat in the jazzy form of Jazzylicious. Born in 1981, it's wonderful that someone of this age is making great music such as this. Having a real ear for tunes as well as being a singer, film maker, actor and fashion model this chap has more strings to his bow than you can account for. Fredrico really has the knack of a great jazz performer. Take, if you will, a listen to the immaculate crafting of "Paradise" which contains all the elements of a quality vocal jazz recording. Laid back, chilled and sounding as if this was cut live in one take, the vocals are dreamy, almost melancholic and eminently attune to the music that he has created. I think the word we're looking for is 'atmospheric'! The melody and attunement of vocals reminds me of the same pattern as Keith Washington’s "Kissing You" - and a perfect song for a candle-lit dinner. Upping the tempo is the title song with some keys tasty enough to remind us of Lonnie Liston Smith and piano that would have Bob James nodding in assent.

In "The Way It Feels" I hear a flavour of Gary Taylor's recent work, although vocally not in the same league Frederico adds some wispish, ethereal quality to this style and again this comes to mind on the excellent "Searching For You" with it's seductive spoken intro. "Oldschool mama" sets a scene - I can envisage a very warm, cosy recording studio with Fede and his musicians hustled in and simply laying this down. Fede's loving this and his vocals are almost ad-lib in style, riffing off and in his vocalising he is surely attuned to what he is laying down. this cat is feelin' it and that ain't a bad thing in my book! Vulnerability and indecision are part and parcel of falling in love - should there be such a thing - and Fede perfectly nails this vocally and musically. His performance is wonderfully impromptu and adds credibility to his music. He is, essentially, espousing deep feeling and concerns to himself yet to a wider audience. How clever is this?! Check out the superb synth behind all this and the chord changes that make this extra special. If you have yet to check out Fede4real and soak up what this young man of many talents has to offer!

Barry Towler
The Vibe scribe

Dr E - Elevated - 2010 - Give Us Free Records

2010-11-14T19:51:00.010Z

Dr E is a relative newcomer on the scene yet carries with her a wealth of experience that is indeed enviable in today's climate of ever-younger, mass-produced and incision-sharp marketing techniques. With a pretty countenance, a vocal style that leans towards the Erykah Badu / Billy Holliday school of vocals and abundant with a sense of fun, grace and sass we have a set that works on the party areas of the soulful brain as well as giving us a jazzy twist and element of stylistic swish! I warn you that some songs may not be immediate, and that's OK - we are conditioned these days as we live in a time of immediate gratification. Songs such as "Dance To My Song" when given a few spins edge under the radar and hit home. This, to me, is clever and a sign of something and someone with a little more to offer than many today. "Halle Berry" for instance is a lovely sax-filled swayer that is clever in picking up the down-to-earth themes that India.Arie is so good at and, let's face it, tells things as they are. Dr E is one of those artists who scribes a good song and lays it down on the line. Doing this soulfully and with class is a good thing and you will not be disappointed!

"Elevated" deals with positivity and espouses, in a funky, slow and bluesy way the old adage that change comes from within. the greatest soul sings - mayfield, Brown, Franklin - all knew about this and instead of chundering on about bling, cars, the club or getting down in bed, Dr E offers real insightful stuff here and having worked through this painful process myself, I can really and wholeheartedly understand this groove and where she is coming from. Who said wisdom no longer flourishes? Having already alluded to stylistic breadth, fans of acoustic guitar and a rootsier sound will soon pick up on "Your Everything". How simple a song can be with a good voice and an acoustic guitar! I think I can see Dwayne Wiggins and Sheree Brown smiling. I certainly smiled when I took a listen to "Walk This Road". The sax here is delicious and the feel reminds me, slightly of The Temptations "This Is My Promise". Easily my favourite song, this song oozes superior style and effortlessly and, for me, makes the purchase of this CD a must on this and this alone. fear not though - check out more songs such as "Good Girl Down" and the sultry sax-drenched "Giving My Life To You". Tasty stuff and more than worth a purchase for these alone. Recommended.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Rena Scott - Take Me Away - 2010 - Amor Records

2010-11-05T10:48:00.005Z

2010-10-04T10:29:00.003+01:00

Thomas G and superb vocalist Swade fly the flag for French Soul Music yet again with their brand new 12" release - and what a 12" it is too! Very stylish, great quality and a grey marble effect pressing it's not your average boring release! Their reading on Side A is a fairly faithful rendition of the Whispers' 70s classic and the bassline may own more to Keni Burke's 80s work than anything else and is by no standards a bad thing! Here on the A side we have three versions, the vocal with aforementioned Swade, an instrumental version and an accapella. I rather assume that what will interest the likes of esteemed readers will be the three new songs on Side B! The title track is SUPERB! "Rhythm Of Love" is a great 80s dancer and would not be out of place alongside recent gems from Cool Million, Bennson etc...a modern dancer that harks back to better musical climes, Swade's lyrics and Thomas G's arranging and producing are superb! This is a real must-have for anyone reading this and I would like to see this on an upcoming CD rather than being confined to a 12", however colourful it may be!

"He's Coming" is the least favourite song on here, but the slamming, relentless groove is still addictive and the relentless rhythm benefits from a great rhythm guitar that is so lacking from today's mainstream. The less frenetic groove of "Open Down Walking All Around" is more my cup of tea and gives us easier access to Swade's able vocal skills. this has a great mid 80s feel and owes more to the likes of Isobelle Antena or even Matt Bianco than anything else. Thomas G has a great sense of what makes a good record, and like me his heart is very much in residence in the 1980s. the difference being I can't play anything, the saw, spoons or even truant so the fact this man is amazingly talented in many musical fields is something I, for one, am grateful for. Only available on vinyl at the moment - hopefully a CD album will materialise soon - this is a single that you do not want to let slip away. Recommended!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Keni Burke - You're The Best / Changes - 2010 - Expansion

2010-10-04T09:47:00.005+01:00

Keni Burke is an artist that means so much to me. One of my top favourites of all-time, it is a one of life's true pleasures to sit back and appreciate the creative genius that is encapsulated in this gentleman's music and voice. There has not been a moment since his outings with the Five Stairsteps that interest has wained. His brilliant 1977 dark House album is still much revered, his two RCA albums cherished beyond belief and later 1990s works for expansion much in demand still today. With a new album in the offing and a sell-out show beckoning at London's Jazz Café on Saturday 9th October interest is still deservedly high for this mighty talent. Ralph Tee has kept the flame burning for this talent on recent shows and his new song aired this week, a collaboration with Coll Million will certainly have your musical taste-buds salivating. My only wish is that his 1986 Arista 'in the can' material would surface..."Eyes Don't Lie" is a true Keni Burke classic and is screaming to be released...still on an old Soul Sauce tape from Summer 1989 this song is one that I would remortgage my home for! Anyway, in the meantime Expansion have reissued the Genius' two RCA albums on one album. Many will applaud this and be thankful as "You're The Best" was only issued on CD in Japan a handful of years ago.

Truth be told, no-one bar the wet-behind-the-ears, novices, or recently enlightened will need to be extolled the virtue of either Keni Burke or these two albums. The upbeat and good-times flavours know know boundaries and when Keni and his groove get to work we are compelled by forces of nature to move and get into it. tracks such as "Let Somebody Love You", "You're The best" and "Hang Tight" paved the way for later gems at Philadelphia International with great songs like the O'Jays' "Put Our Heads Together" and the Jones Girls' "Ooh Ooh Ah Ah" and are still thoroughly essential today nearly 30 years on. I can guarantee that these will sound equally essential in another 30 years too, such is the quality of the music made here. Personal favourites of mine are the two cover version, interestingly, and what Keni did here was take two essential, blindingly brilliant songs and give them the Keni Burke magic. "Love Is The Answer" is one of my favourite songs by the legendary Todd Rundgren who along with his 70s Rock outfit, Utopia turned out this amazing track. This song is one I own and play constantly, along with much of the man's work, but Keni Burke obviously loved the song as much as I do and he proves that he lives and breaths it's magnificence...he reinterprets it magnificently and i know that he knows this song on a very deep level.

Secondly is Curtis Mayfield's "Never Stop Loving Me"...this song reduces me to a wreck. For me, one of Keni Burke's finest ever moments and a song that i would happily take to me to the 'other side' when my work on this plain is done. talk about music perfection...recorded in 1981 this song has not dated one second and still an essential addition to any connoisseur's playlist. Another song that deserves such acclaim is "Gotta Find A Way Back In Your Heart". In all serious, this is music PERFECTION. "Changes" from 1982 is yet another masterclass in music-making. A classic album by everyone's standards, who can fail to be moved by smouldering ballads such as "Who Do You Love?" and amazing swayers such as "One Minute More" with Philly backing by - I believe, without digging out the set itself - the Sweethearts. "Risin' To The Top" is an anthem...a timeless classic, a standard piece and never fails to make a Summer day much more than a lovely day...it makes memories. This is the ultimate 'good times' chill-out song and woe betide anyone who tries fiddling with it! It is always a pleasure to have a Keni Burke release of any sort...this is a perfect reminder of past glories, timeless classics and keeps the man in the spotlight as we eagerly await his first UK performance since 1991's Southport Weekender and his new album later this year. ladies and gentlemen...the genius, Keni Burke.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Calvin Richardson - America's Most Wanted - 2010 - Shanachie

2010-10-04T09:16:00.003+01:00

Shanachie do themselves proud on two fronts. Firstly they rightly appreciate the awesome talent of Mr. Calvin Richardson, and secondly allow him the freedom to create an original album on non-covers that sees the gent back in the familiar rootsy ground which we first discovered him on 1999's "Country Boy". The sheer soul that this man exudes is something rare these days, especially coming out of America and we really have to rally around talents like this to ensure they get all the recognition they deserve. Many see a resemblance to the great Bobby Womack, and they aren't wrong, although there is a different passion here and a different direction. The healthy, testifyin' raw and gritty catharsistic edge is never far from the surface, and the grittier Southern flavours never too far away either, but this is no sop to the grits circuit. It's quality mainstream contemporary adult R&B and should be applauded for being so.

Real musicianship abounds here...live drums, strings and percussion, and one feels that the flavour of Al Green's "Lay It Down" set is a close equal in style. This set satisfies me on many a level, and the real, warm strings and Womack cum Philly guitars certainly a boon, too. There isn't, to be honest, a track that doesn't hit the mark and yet I do have some standout cuts that i would like to bring to your attention. The opening cut - the title song - flows in an early / mid 1970s flavour and the vibrant musicianship and vocals make this a real gem. The song is a real gem, and doesn't need any more said about it really. fans of this man will not be disappointed at all. "Feels Like We're Sexin'" isn't a raging teenage R&B drivel-based cut at all, but a great rhythmic affair with great guitar licks and shines out a summery vibe on what we could describe as a modern stepping groove meets the early 1970s. I cannot stop playing this song, and yet again listening to this style of music in 2010 really warms my heart.

The Womack-like spoken intro to "Come Over" really takes us back to the early 70s, but with a 2010 sensibility, and here Calvin shows the manufactured non-talents out there what real singing and real music is all about. This IS the real deal. For more real soul action, look no further than "Reach Out" from which the musical platform isn't far removed from the likes of William Devaughan back in the day. Female vocalist Nadia steps alongside Calvin on this song and although I'm not sure she's the strongest vocalist for this song as she's weak in the young R&B so-called diva sense and may appeal to fans of Mary J Blige or faith Evans, she is no match for real vocalists along the lines of Vesta Williams, Shirley Murdock or someone of similar power. This quibble aside, we move on to "Adore You" which is BRILLIANT. Another quality summery ballad that sums up everything brilliant about this magnificent artist. So, as an album, 11 tracks of excellence, soul and uncompromisingly real and gritty set (maybe bar the contemporary effort, "Paradise"!), and all told a blinding set and one that I cannot fail to recommend to you. One to grab ASAP!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Various Artists - Soul Togetherness 2010 - 2010 - Expansion

2010-09-30T11:14:00.006+01:00

This set rates as one the best compilations in the Togetherness series to date. Screamingly contemporary, totally drenched in quality and class and containing timeless classics this is a release that you will NOT want to miss. Combining the best of the new and the old, Ralph Tee and the legendary Richard Searling combine to make this a real end-of-year feast. Cleverly, and rightfully, they include artists that are not only hot but also appearing at the forthcoming Weekender in early 2011. Poetry in motion I like to call it. Many artists and songs on here have already received praise on these pages and it's to the swelling of my musical heart that these songs and artists appear here on such an esteemed compilation. Cool Million with the wonderful Eugene Wilde cannot fail to impress with their recent modern classic "Back For More", and recently reviewed "Another Love" from Pianist Brian Culbertson follows on swiftly with our hero Kenny Lattimore on vocals.

Dorian Wright - Mind Full Of Music - 2010 - L Records

2010-09-20T10:20:00.004+01:00

L Records happens to be Honolulu's first 'off the grid' record label and as such has kicked off what I hope to be a very promising future with this hugely acclaimed album, "Mind Full Of Music" by Dorian Wright. The thing with this album is this: are you a fan of Stevie Wonder and Rahsaan Patterson? If both are a resounding yes, then odds are pretty much in favour of you loving this album. The only gripe I have to be fair is this is so Stevie Wonder it may as well be Stevie Wonder. This begs the thought of WHY does dear old Stevie lurk in the shadows and not come out with another classic '70s sounding set which is what all critics and fans really and truly want? So, til he stops hiding away with Lord Lucan, my lovelife, decent TV programming and 80s racehorse Shergar we have the void filled with artists who appreciate the sounds of his early '70s Tamla issues. Dorien Wright fills that void and then some more!

Take, for example, "Trying To Be", which could easily slip in comfortably on the "Songs In The Key Of Life" album. Yep, this is really aimed at that groove and he hits the mark. Big time. Even the vocals are spot-on. Unsure, actually, if this is a desirable thing or not BUT at the end of the day it's actually a crackin' track - reservations included. The boisterous rhythm of "Harlem Shuffle" is incorporated nicely into the Rahsaan Patterson-like modern thumper "Lying Woman". This is one for the dancefloors and although the samples may put some off, the overall effect is tastefully done and not ripped off in a complete P-Diddy fashion. The warm keyboards of "Say I Do" again hark back to the 1970s, and the Stevie-ish vocals also remind me of Frank McComb in places. This is a crackin' track so please feel free to whop up the volume a wee bit. "You Got A Bad Thing" oozes class, it really does, and continues the mid 1970s vibe nicely.

"Sweet One Night's Life" picks up the pace and although the hi-hat is programmed the funkiness and quirkiness is more than enough to make you smile and put a spring in your step. For an earlier 70s Stevie sound we have "Want To See The Sun"...the synth that bolsters this chunky effort is heavenly, and the backing vocals really are superb. the gorgeous Maxwell cum Eric Benét-like ballad "Distance" is also worth a spin. Here Dorien phrases like the aforementioned but i also hear a healthy Michael Jackson flavour in there too. Vocally we are not inside Stevie Wonder territory and although we have all heard better ballads I would be interested to hear more of the real Dorien Wright...this man has a lot of hidden talents to add to his already awesome level of talent and it's this which should be displayed on his next album. An unmissable set.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

AgapéSoul - Agapé Soul - 2010 - Agapé Soul

2010-09-10T10:26:00.005+01:00

AgapéSoul is the brainchild of Darryl Anders, and what he has conceived here is a wonderful blend of real soul dashed with jazz, and easily one of the best releases out of the US at this current time. AgapéSoul have issued this stunning limited edition pre-release and I for one cannot recommend it highly enough. Recall, if you will, the classy efforts of Nathan Heathman back in 2000, as well as the musical strengths of pre-smooth jazz music. This limited release is completely consistent, powerful and totally essential. Although only 4 tracks complete this set, each one is without fault. Track one, then is the slinky, sax drenched "Don't Say U Love Me"...if female vocalists in the vein of Brenda Hilman, Ada Dyer (Miss Adriatha) or Helen Baylor are to your taste then the superb vocalist Zoe Ellis is one that you really need to pay attention to. She has that edge and stands shoulder to shoulder with all these esteemed ladies. Darryl Anders himself adds bass and background vocals, Lynette Williams on keys, aaron Green on drums, Errol Cooney on guitars, Indra Jones on backing vocals and Vince Lars on sax. Together that create a cracking slice of modern soulful jazz.

"Time Cannot Erase" features Darryl Anders on vocals, and the flavour here reminds me of a Norman Connors effort, even George Duke. Vocally, Darryl is not in the league of the likes of Al Johnson, Beau Williams or Glenn Jones, but has the timbre of, say Raymond Jones. Gentle, slightly gritty and enchanting nonetheless. This is a great number and Vince Lars sax is really special. "Tell Me Where It Hurts" is well supported by great bass playing, and the dreamy 80s keys supplement Indra Jones' vocals very nicely. Fresh, supple and sexy, Indra Jones' vocals help make this track a sorely needed oasis in today's desert of auto-tuned, rap-filled nonsense. So much so she adds more of her delicacies onto us with the brilliant, socially conscious "Voice Of Reason". I cannot rate these songs highly enough, and only wished that we had more material coming out of the US of this quality. The recording quality is superb, the level of musicianship is first rate and on this basis I am extremely expectant of what the full album release may hold. An exciting release without doubt.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Marilyn Ashford Brown - Mix 2010 - Ash2Brown Entertainment

2010-09-07T19:04:00.003+01:00

This Lady produced a superb set a while ago and now we are treated to a limited edition Mix Cd of five cuts that have been revitalised, remixed and generally sprinkled with uptempo dancefloor magic. The first song is the slamming remix of "I've Got A Feeling". This Burley remix adds some extra percussion, and a slight Salsoul flavour underneath the relentless, pounding bassline. This really does make a great song greater and Marilyn really does carve out a niche for being a strong female soul singer capable of blasting the dancefloor as well as whispering gently through the bedroom. A much improved version, methinks yet without diminishing the strength of the original. The chunky mid '90s flow of "You'll Never Find (Another Love Like Mine)"is a real killer piece of choonage and her vocals strike us swiftly with a heady mix of Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills. the groove here is strong, addictive and totally essential!

The house groove of "Respect Me" takes us back to the early 90s and material from, say Loni Clark or CeC e Peniston. Her version of Phyllis Hyman's seminal "You Know How To Love Me" is a strong modern version, although even Marilyn would admit that nothing can better the original version - however good it is, and believe me, this is a very good version! the final offering, "Can You Handle It" owes a lot more to an 80s club sound complete with horns and early 80s styled vocals. This is a cracking track and Marilyn definitely knows how to craft a decent tune for the dancefloor complete with all the intrinsic, essential additions that make a real, proper dancefloor tune...melody, direction, groove, bass and SOUL. Forget all the crass 'club'# stuff pumped out by today's cookie-cutter artists. This track blows them all away and if her voice doesn't then the killer soulful sax blowing on the song will sweep the rest away with ease! We need more artists like this, and certainly more up[tempo soul music of this nature./ Let's grasp the mantle back from the clueless whippersnappers and let's reclaim the dancefloors!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Marc Vanclaggett - Jazz At Sunset - 2010 - Marlex

2010-09-07T18:34:00.003+01:00

No-one reading this will need an introduction to Marc Vanclaggett. He won massive critical acclaim back in 2003 with his debut set for Marlex records, "I Want You", and his set featured one of THE songs of that whole year. many a year has since passed and having searched for the great man again, have discovered that dear old CD Baby have his NEW CD as well as a single, "Baby I'm The One" in stock! The album, "Jazz At Sunset", is a seriously soulful, funky jazz affair and highlights yet another string to this gentleman's envious musical bow. It's not a boring Smooth Jazz outing by any stretch, though even fans of this genre will find a lot to warm to here. This reminds me of what jazz-fusion albums were like before the Smooth Jazz explosion, and elements of Najee etc can be heard here. The seductive soulful opener "Jazz At Sunset" contains some lovely warm keys, synths, summery flute and Najee-type sax. Mellow it may be, Smooth it ain't! The excellent and gritty "Ramsey" must, I am certain pay homage to one of the greatest pianists in the field, Ramsey Lewis, and in turn one certain late, great Charles Stepney.

A great number, and fortified by the following track, "Rebecca", with a sexy tropical feel and chilled out piano touches. The funky, strident "Raven" adds real light and shade and is meaty enough to tremble the old bass-pins, and short though it is matches the chunky belter "The Doctor" nicely. What or which Doctor is this about? Not Matt Smith's latest travelling bow-tie adorned Time Lord, surely?! What really absorbed my attention is the deep, resonant bass on "Wilshire Blvd"...the bass, dreamy keys and rasping flute...a great little number and then some! The set ends nicely with a short but sweet reprise of the title song and rounds this up very nicely. Though there are no full vocals, it's still a must and I have to say that i didn't expect a Jazz set from this man. What we do also have is the single, "Baby I'm The One", which is a traditional vocal ballad with a spoken intro and definitely sits in a late 80s / early 90s soul groove. Vocally the man is on top form and this jam is definitely harking back to a better time for quality R&B music. Head over to CD Baby and check it out!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Soul Talk - Soul Talk - 2010

2010-09-06T18:41:00.008+01:00

This is a group that may be new but whose members have a long history and pedigree, and it's a fresh revelation to hear such a joyous, vibrant and positive album from these souls that lifts the spirit, energises the soul and begs repeat listening. Comprised of lead vocalist Gary Poole from UK group Troi, Toby Baker on keyboards, guitar and bass who has worked with many stars including Chaka Khan and Michael McDonald, and Ernie McKone on drum, bass and guitar (as well as owning Boogie Back Records!) This group are very much in a hands on, raw, live and unplugged mode and I get feelings that they are fans of such luminaries such as the Average White Band, Seawind and Tower Of Power. Our vocalist, Gary Poole, is ultra-soulful, he has real grit and emotion with a proper, honest-to-goodness delivery that is so, so lacking in today's staid and lacklustre market. Some styles here also remind me of Big Brooklyn Red's first album, "Foreword", and thus makes a case of supporting this group much more compelling.

The opening song really sets the scene..."It's Your Life" is upbeat, positive and actually, unlike most ditties today, says something! I really fell hook, line and sinker for the brilliance of "Really Don't Mind"...this is sheer soul heaven and if this song doesn't put a spring in your step and a smile on your face then you must have no pulse at all! These two tracks alone are well worthy, but it was when I heard the sheer beauty of track 6, the interlude before "I Want It", I was totally floored. these guys have been sat listening - and listening closely to Dexter Wansel and his spacey synth...Think his epic "Life On Mars" set and you're not far from the truth...or a million miles from the ground even! The following, aforementioned song is completely essential...check out the early 80s keys!!!! Never has American R&B touched the brilliance of this material in many a year, and a huge round of applause to all who participated in this album. I first listened to these two songs in the car whilst on the M25 and I can honestly say that I hit replay on each maybe a dozen times. Simply brilliant. The acoustic soul of "I Guess That You're Leaving" can only be described as heavenly...a great song to cruise down the coast to, and although on the topic of splitting up has a great feel-good flavour in the vein of Vivienne McKone's brilliant 1992 tunes "Sing" and "Beware". Breathtaking. This is available as a download at present on iTunes and Amazon, but will soon be in good old physical Cd form soon. Whatever format you choose, make sure this CD is a definite purchase. Essential.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Will Downing - Lust, Love & Lies (An Audio Novel) - 2010 - Peak

2010-08-20T19:01:00.003+01:00

This is the best Will Downing set for many a year, and for those who love the man and all he does it's yet another quality release in a long, long list of releases that have not failed to please. In fact, it's fair to say that this album contains more spark, light, shade and grit than a fair few previous releases, and the feel, thanks to Rex Rideout and Chris "Big Dog" Davis almost harks back to his beefier Motown release back in 2000. It's smooth, yet strident and still romantic. Will is one of today's greatest performers and this album deserves to be HUGE. The set is different, containing spoken dialogue between the tracks and tells a story of a romantic liaison and all the trappings that come with it. Our Femme here is the sexy-voiced Dee (Dyana Williams) and the songs tell a story of the road of romance. So, calling this an audio novel is quite apt, and nothing that we as fans of this great man should shy away from.

With Carl carter on bass, Randy Bowland on guitar and Chris "Big Dog" Davis on keys, Will Downing flows as smooth as silk over this cool, beat-driven number, the bass guitar and dreamy keys taking centre stage also, and as far as opening tracks go this is as strong as anything that Will has delivered to date. The contemporary urban cut "Feelin' Alright" may be a bit of a surprise, but understand that this is not a dreadful teeny R&B effort...though the 'hey-hos' are a wee bit too reminiscent of the likes of Naughty By Nature and the like. Did I ever mention I rarely play stuff from the 90s?! LOL. This is not a bad track by any means BUT fails to scratch one of the standout cuts which is "Consensual". I was flabbergasted on hearing this song, and soon hit the replay button. Such a slinky, jazzy-tinged, sexy song...Downing reasserts himself as one of THE voices of our time and on tracks like this he has the power of soul, song, seduction and his timelessness sweeps aside the whiners and auto-tuned kiddies that harass our senses today.

If this track makes you swoon, then head straight to "Fly Higher" complete with dreamy keys and spacey synths, and Eric gale-ish guitar courtesy of Michael Rippoll. Soul music rarely gets classier than this. Or does it? Well, if it does, then Will Downing's the man to smash his own records. "Shades" makes mincemeat of most of today's mainly insipid soul sounds and begs the question of why many other labels and artists cannot step up to the mark and produce such quality music. If Will and Peak records can do this, then why not so anyone else? Please check out the mid 80s Philly sounding "Do You Know", which has a great piano line, guitar and sitar. This is totally delicious and has been on repeat play over and over again in this house. This continues with the sublime "At This Moment" which could easily have been released on PIR in 1986. This is almost 80s Gamble & Huff and I am waiting to hear either Shirley Jones or Phyllis Hyman to join in as a duet. "Coulda Been/Shoulda Been" owes more to quality 2010 and ends the album admirably. Fans of his earlier work will warm to this set and so will life-long fans. Some may only know the man from his critically acclaimed cover of "A Love Supreme" and it's to them I say open up your ears and listen to Will Downing 2010 stylee...the epitome of style, class, finesse and smooth soul. Totally essential.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Leroy Burgess - It's The Weekend (mixes) - 2010

2010-08-20T18:57:00.000+01:00

Leroy Burgess has received much critical acclaim for his latest project, and so the acclaim will continue to mount as he rel;eases this massive single of remixes of "It's The Weekend". One of the cream tracks from the album, I was wondering what we would be presented with here. I usually despair at many remixes - you know what I mean...they usually destroy the aura of the original, but thankfully the various mix-masters here have done nothing to destroy or blot the copybook of the original song. They have nicely complimented it, and as such the single comes very highly recommended! The first mix by Jonny Montana and Craig Stewart does not fail to use Leroy's unique, easily recogniseable voice as a strong point and the beats are strong and the goodtimes vibe reminiscent of the Great man's work with Salsoul many moons ago. Strong piano led and underpinned by a bassline that's groovier than the original, this song fails not to impress. The freaky synths nearing the close of the track add much flavour from "Barely Breaking Even" and it's THAT vibe that takes us out, and who can fail to be impressed by the strong Salsoul 2010 vibe here? It's nothing short of superb, that's what it is.

The Patchworks remix adds a really Deep House groove vibe and jazzy guitar adds even more brilliance. Leroy, as I have said before, has straddled many different genres over the past 30-plus years and is equally at home on a disco groove, a soul groove or a house groove. This remix by Patchworks is just like the amazing soulful disco-house coming out of America at the moment...at least in the dance music field our American Cousins are reinventing the groove and mixing hard house beats, ethereal deep house synths with real instruments. strings, guitars and funky basslines. The man, of course suits all of this, and so the remix stands alone as a great song. Rob Hardt, of Cool Million and Seductive Souls fame, has supplied the third and final remix here and it's a slamming, spaced out affair which relies on strong piano and a house groove, drizzled with an 80s party-time groove. This has a slight flavour of a Joey Negro early 90s piece - think "Universe Of Love" and you're not far off the mark. The remixes are so different, the beats vary and flavours are definitely separate, yet Mr. Burgess' vocals and lyrics are symbiotic with each one in turn. This is a shining example of talents both vocally and production-wise and hats off to all three of our mixing partners in this slamming example of contemporary - yet classic - soulful dance music. Thank God for all concerned, and let's have much more of this in the future!

Barry Towler,

The Vibe Scribe

Ty causey - Down II Earth - 2010 - Tyvonn

2010-08-16T17:34:00.004+01:00

"Down II Earth" rates of the best album yet from the super-cool, mighty confident and ultra-soulful Ty Causey. The musical road that Ty Causey travels is still a very smooth, dependable one and we will all want to keep tagging along, as the set is one that doesn't fail to impress. The journey theme is one that kicks the album off, the sexy and rhythmic "Rocket To The Moon" nods it's head towards Marvin Gaye / Leon Ware's collaborative work as far as harmonies go, and the sweet sax gives us more than a little bit of classic pizazz. we all remember the days when sax played a big part in soul music. Sadly, any form of music with real instruments - sax especially - is, crazily, classed as "Smooth Jazz". NO! This is not smooth jazz - or any kind of Jazz for that matter. If it were smooth Jazz I'd be dribbling down my top in a stupor by the end of track one! LOL. Let's start reclaiming real music and Ty starts off with a cracking reminder that instruments such as sax should - and indeed can be - included in today's R&B. The superb ballad "A Place In Your Heart" makes a real Strong stand and harks back to the early 1990s. His vocal performance really makes it's presence felt and the male backing vocals and bluesy guitar add up to something good and proper too.

A funkier Ty Causey struts his stuff on the title track, a lowdown dirty bassline and flute grace this song, readying itself for the jazzy, sexy and mesmerising "Any Means Necessary". You're gonna love this song - hopefully you have heard this on the radio and have been impressed enough to order a copy of the album. Ty plays with melody intimately here, and there is light and shade, texture and flavour. This song is full-bodied, chunky and extremely toothsome. If this song isn't enough to satisfy your craving for soul food then please check out the luxuriant "Recognise" and the super-cool "Deep Inside"...this has to be one of the classiest, more-ish and delicately sensual song that Ty has laid down and it's full of erotic promise...then we come to the funkier "Living On The Borderline"; a track that offers some real dancefloor appeal. For me, another real highlight is the superb "Start Again" and atmospheric "Love To The Bone" which leads us nicely - and perfectly - to "I Wanna Know About Love". You and me both, Ty. Damned if I understand it - if it actually exists at all! This is yet another strong release for which I have nothing but praise and can therefore heartily recommend a purchase!

Barry Towler,

The Vibe Scribe

Incognito - Transatlantic RPM - 2010 - Dome

2010-08-12T14:20:00.004+01:00

Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick and the gang have truly excelled themselves this time, big style. I have appreciated Incognito, but not been a massive fan, but with time and tide they have worked their magic on me more and more and this CD has really cemented their relationship with my heart. After hearing this CD I want to shake the man by the hand if not give him a bear hug. Not a track goes by on this album without my thinking 'this is brilliant'. One cannot be untouched by this album, and for my money within 30 seconds i was sold and drawn in hook, line and sinker. Their rendition of Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown" is simply awe-inspiring...the flute and warm 1980s keys are majestic enough, but WOW! This is a duet between The hippest of Hipsters Mario Biondi and the sassy and uber-sexy Chaka Khan. Man, do they have a ball! This is a track of epic proportions! Lucky Iam appears with his silky smooth vocals and cool rap on the SUPERB "Everything That We Are" and Bluey brings on the warm, summery soulful funk. If you appreciate rap by Little Brother's Phonté or even Craig G then this is going to appeal to you. This track reminds of the recent monster sets by Liquid Spirits and Jazzanova. Absolutely superb.

A song that is garnering a lot of airplay is "1975". I love this, and the Incognito brass section and scratchy guitar rhythm is up and running big style, and for long-time fans of Bluey this is going to be heaven. Joy Rose is our heroine on vocals here and she reminds us of a much more friendly and warm musical era. A slightly Southern feel, courtesy of some Memphis style horns and bassline greets Maysa's sexy delivery head on and both create the magical mix of "Your Sun My Sky". Love this. You will also want to hear the summery, string-laden Leon Ware inclusion, "Line In The Sand", a track that suits both Incognito and Leon Ware very well. This gentleman oozes class and none of his talents have diminished over the past decades. Still a towering force and one of the most important and influential artists, writers and producers of our time, I am proud that Incognito have given the Great man a spotlight here until we hear news of any new album from this Legend. Chaka Khan delivers a truly joyous moment with "The Song" and hits us like a pleasurable mix of Steely Dan and, of course, Rufus! Chaka, too, remains a strong vocalist and needs to be giving us some more beautiful music soon.

The superb Tony Momrelle is someone we have championed in the past...an exponent of wonderful soul and dance music, Bluey crafts a perfect mix of soulful stepper and uplifting funky house US stylee. Genius, genius, genius. Follow that? Hmm. They do, and in spectacular fashion. the warm mid 70s flavour of "All Of My Life" cannot be touched and the whole vibe is timeless, and makes me feel warm, gooey and glad to be alive! Fans of Mr. Momrelle and THAT timeless 1981 sound will die happy having listened to "Make Room For Love". LISTEN TO THIS, AMERICA!!!!!!! THIS IS R&B!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stop creating auto-tuned rubbish with whiners masqueraded as vocalists and listen to REAL singers, REAL instruments and REAL soul. Enough is enough. Until they bother listening then Bluey and his entourage have every possible high ground and are more than beating our American Cousins at their (once) own game. Long may this continue. To add emphasis on this, in steps our cool Italian vocal genius, Mario Biondi with the funky, punchy and brassy "Can't Get Enough". Chris Brown? Usher? Akon? Forget about it, kids...this is the real stuff, and people will be loving this in 20 - 30 years time, long after you have been forgotten. Class will always win the day and should you have any doubts just check out the final track which has me in pieces and has me begging for MORE. "Tell Me What To Do" is the finest, smoothest track that could polish off this gargantuan album and I am asking that you own this CD and cherish it as soon as possible. This, folks, is REAL music from a real master and real artists supporting him. Beyond essential.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Gerardo Frisina - Join The Dance - 2010 - Schema

2010-08-11T11:22:00.003+01:00

Two things I like about this release. Firstly, it's on the irreproachable Schema Records label, and secondly it's a release by the genius Gerardo Frisina. This man is bursting with talent, turning his hand to a sizzling Latin charger, full of kick, rhythm, spice, to a romantic and passionate Latin swayer, stomping Nu-Jazz dance and now to top-drawer quality straight Latin Jazz. The Italians, as well as the Finnish and Swedes have really thrown down the gauntlet to their erstwhile American cousins. What they are saying is this: WE can make real, proper Jazz music. Can you? The response has been deafeningly quiet. So, I take that as a no then? I reckon so...the dear old Americans have long since lost any music credibility - especially in the Jazz field - and labels like Schema easily hold as much awe to me in the 21st Century as Blue Note did back in the 30s - 60s. The founders, and Great Artists that made Blue Note would look at Schema Records to day and their hearts would swell with pride, and their blood would fill with fire. Gerardo Frisina delivers an album that the Masters would be more than proud. Sadly, the Americans are content to churn out music fit for elevators and shopping malls, and so the Europeans have taken the baton and are running with it like Olympic Champions.

Every track on here is a winner and I cannot fault the album. Straight Jazz, Latin flavours and even a few world flavours thrown in for good measure, "Join The Dance" is a heady concoction of rhythms, spices, flavours and soundscapes that are sexy, passionate, bullish and powerful. Take the intoxicating Johnny Lytle-inpired "Mille E Una Notte". the vibes, horns, jazz dance rhythm and, yes, sitar create a storming mid 1960s flavour that cannot be rivalled by yet another smooth jazz sax album. Let's all snore in unison! This album is MUCH better than that tripe. This invigorates, enhances your listening experience, lifts you up high and whisks you away. Like it says on the tin...Join The dance. "Tata Somba" is your first tasty morsel and again is what i call timeless Jazz...it is a fresh, totally-smack-bang-up-to-date 2010 recording and yet would not be out of place back in the 1950s or 1960s. This is neither mimicry, pastiche or homage...it's the real McCoy delivered by one of best exponents of jazz in the world today...Schema and Gerardo Frisina.

The classic vocal cut "Will You Walk A Little Faster" with it's wacked-out lyrics act as a perfect vehicle for the vocal prowess of Norma Winstone. I'd like to hear Dianne Reeves or Marlene Shaw tackle this. This is but one of two vocal covers, the other being Duke Ellington's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'". THIS is superb and vocalist Francesca Sortino impresses, with a real American lilt and almost pitches herself in a Doris Day mode! Trust me, she does and this in my book is NOT bad! The rest are new tunes, all penned, or shared by Gerardo Frisina. His Latin leanings are never far away, and the gorgeous "Joy Shout", complete with vibes courtesy of Pasquale Bardaro are nothing short of brilliant. the Afro-Cuban rhythm and high hat of "Titoro" is toothsome and drizzled with flute by Alfonso Diedda it is rendered essential listening. Completing the set is the superb "For My Mother", a song that should make her very proud indeed. And if she's a fan of this kind of tune then she she must be one very Hip lady indeed! This is one CD that you must not overlook as it is simply superb from start to finish.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

David Hudson - The Royal Sessions - 2010 - Soul Junction

2010-08-11T10:30:00.005+01:00

You may recall my recent ramblings apropos David's 7" release on Soul Junction - and what a great tune that was! Now we have a full blown album release - admittedly only on vinyl - which you will surely want to own. Fans of this man and the 80s sounds of Willie Mitchell will not want to miss this. Having recorded for Alston and Waylo through the '70s and '80s respectively, David has been relatively quiet of late and this is a shame. This set, dusted off and shown the light of day by the good people at Soul Junction is a set that was shelved at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis, and was recorded in the 1989-1990 period. I'm not sure what prevented this release as it would definitely had garnered interest and at a time when vinyl was still - if only just - a popular format. I would not rate it as high as his 1987 Waylo release, "Night And Day", and no tracks stand out anywhere near as much as "Night And Day", "Now That Love Has Gone" or "That's What Dreams Are Made Of" but still wipe the floor with much of today's insipid so-called R&B releases. But being David Hudson, he really doesn't have to try hard to do that as he is what i call a God-given TALENT!!!

The much-vaulted single "(Girl I'm Coming Home To) Something Good" opens up the set and is, for me one on the strongest cuts. Natural then for this to be the good, old-fashioned leader single. Now THAT is what I miss...the header single, giving us a taste of the album, AND from a time where you had only the A and B side...not like nowadays when there are so many versions, remixes and so-on and so-forth where the likes of me gets my appendages well and truly in a twist. The classic sound continues with the summery, swaying "Let's Make Love". David is a strong exponent of the Southern Soul sound and his excited delivery on here is nothing short of superb. The horns punch in a VERY Al Green / Poppa Willie fashion on the serene "You're My Dream Come True" and I suggest that this track is well worthy of purchasing this be it on vinyl, 8-track, wax cylinder or not. I also highly recommend the lovely, brass filled "All My Love". The backing may be programmed but the soul is more than there. This has a definite 1990 feel to it, and this still sounds great today. Please don't overlook this LP. My only wish that this was made available in a format for those like me who have embraced the CD and digital music era. This may appeal to die-hard vinyl buffs who want to keep The Music select and to a small, dwindling tribe, but in my mind it does little for the Artist themselves. But that's just my opinion!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Greg Blackman - The Price Of Love - 2010

2010-08-05T20:42:00.003+01:00

Greg Blackman is, I will freely admit, a brand new name to me but someone who is someone I am eager to hear more of! Greg's heart lies in the warm sounds of yesterday and the greatness of Timmy Thomas, Stevie Wonder and Rodney Franklin are more than present. All these great artists are assimilated into Greg's expansive, warm and lilting style and as such I know that you are going to find this one hell of an album. No mimicry needed here...but has a real handle on these classic sounds and imagine vocal skills on the same level as Jeff Redd then what's served up here is something very special indeed. It's an engaging album for sure, fresh, lively, upbeat and not at all disappointing. Albums like this really make hardened skeptics like me sit up, take notice and want to dig a little deeper. This is a mighty good thing, and to me implies that the likes of Greg Blackman are artists with depth, credibility, substance and dare I say it...longevity. Times are hard, contracts neigh on impossible to get unless you're willing to be shoved in the corporate sausage machine, and funds scarcer than ever before. Yet artists like these will always be wanted as they are timeless and as such need to be hailed today, right now and not 2 decades down the line when some DJ falls over a copy cheap somewhere.

The album starts as it means to go on and that is with style, class, finesse and character. The flavour of the early 70s is strong here with a slight Timmy Thomas approach, vocalised in a great Jeff Redd fashion...the percussion is lively and the organ floats along nicely too. This is such a lovely track. For me, hearing this song and this song alone on radio would be more than enough to prompt a purchase. Gorgeousness is not restricted to this song alone. The deep moog on "Leave This City" is straight out of Rodney Franklin's mid 80s Columbia work and the spacey synths and dreamy keys reminisce of George Duke. Oh yes...this album increases in sublimeness as the album progresses. "Change" is a lazy, hazy summery affair complete with organ and reminds me of the mellower efforts on Buddy Miles' last set for Hip-O back in 1998. If you liked the Tommy Sims album then "My My My" will be up your street...it's a 70s flavour yet fully in today's mode. Again, the vocals are outstanding and on this track I am inclined to liken him to the great Jeff Perry. My choice track on here though has to be the beautifully serene and well-crafted "Tell You Something". I cannot stop playing this song. Warm, encompassing and with a catchy refrain that will settle in your grey cells and refuse to leave...genius. I cannot say any more on this set bar wholly recommend it.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Izzy Dunn - Cries And Smiles - 2010 - Idunnit Music

2010-08-02T16:40:00.008+01:00

This forthcoming album for mid August contains some real sparkling gems and - possibly - one of THE best songs ogf 2010 thusfar! For those unfamiliar with this lady, Izzy Dunn is a vocalist, Cellist and producer and you may - if you're taste is wider than mine - know her from her work with Pop / Dance artists Roots Manuva, the Gorrillaz and UK popstar Beverly Knight as well as more soulful artists such as Soul II Soul and 4Hero. Her talents turn to herself here, and so Izzy creates a set that cannot be ignored, overlooked or unpurchased! As a cellist it is screamingly obvious that Izzy understands Classical composition and as such much of the album features some great orchestration that would even make Larry Gold proud. The album, though, does in a few places try to appease the more younger listener - something I don't think necessary when this Lady has more talent than the likes of those the whiskerless youth idolise. Why, anyway, do our artists have to pander to that brigade anyway? Do they pander to us? Of course not, and neither should they. They'll be climbing on the next bandwagon soon. If you wait, another one will be along in a minute. There always is. The likes of Izzy Dunn is beyond this and if proof be needed check out the following tunes. Izzy is not only all of the above but she is also a lyricist and her thoughtful, textured and immaculate lyrics are rather embracing.

"Nothing But Love" rates as one of THE tracks of the moment...real instrumentation, bass guitar, strings and piano and a mighty fine soulful vocal from Izzy Dunn. This is timeless material and a track that I play and play and play again. I can't get enough of this. I sincerely hope that this song gets serious airplay on radio over and above the more ephemeral, urban tinged efforts. I adored the opening strings of "Loser", but the addition of Booty Brown from rap outfit Pharcyde is like buying a nice packet of crisps and finding a clipped toenail inside. I'm sure he is a very nice chap and all that, but not on this album, please. It's about time quality artists kept this sort of thing at arm's length. Let's have the Pimms on the lawn and not the cheap Cider and ASBO. I expected "Gangster Bitch" to be a foray into unpleasant territory but this is, in fact a great slice of funky '70s Blaxpoitation themed instrumental. You will, therfore love this! I also think that "All Good Things" is an essential cut that has so much brilliance brimming from it. Rarely do we get such sophisticated orchestral textures within our music and Izzy Dunn plies us with this in great measure. Fans of a gritty neuvo-60s sound will immediately like "Save Me" and this could appeal to those who find the likes of Macy Gray, Amy Whine House and Duffy. Izzy certainly has the abilities to cross many boundaries and bridges, and this is always a good thing as long it's not an appeasement or sellout as many are inclined to do today. What is certain is that some tracks on here CANNOT be considered fop to that sort of crowd and as such they shine so brightly and on the strength of "Nothing But Love" would I recommend the set anyway. Total joy, beauty and class. ESSENTIAL.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Matt Bianco - Sunshine Days - 2010 - Ear Music

2010-08-02T16:14:00.003+01:00

Released on the 9th August, "Sunshine Days" is an official greatest hits set with new recordings of our old favourites and remixes. Founder member Mark Reilly has bounced back with former Wham! keyboardist Mark Fisher and fine vocalist Hazel Weston to breath some soulful samba into our Summer of 2010. The remakes of cherished nuggets such as "Half A Minute", "Don't Blame It On That Girl" and "Wap Bam Boogie" amongst others are done with real finesse and time, love and effort has gone into thees songs so please don't worry about bad remakes or blaspheming against the original songs as these are pure and simply tasteful upgrades and nowt else. All the original, yet brand spanking new, Matt Bianco goodness is still there and as strong as ever! "Half A Minute" is very today and may have less Latin percussion but still hits you where it feels good, and "Whose Side Are You One" given a slinkier, jazzier feel with what one can only describe as 70s Philly guitar thrown in for good measure!

More recent efforts such as "Hi Fi Bossa Nova" show how class an act Matt Bianco still is. The smooth, cool and as-always-hip vocals are as good today as they were back in the mid 1980s. The soulful vocals, Brazilian swish and Afro-Cuban piano make a proper tasty meal of Matt Bianco's developed talents over the past 25 years. Twenty-five years...is it really? Scary how time flies BUT the proof of the pudding is definitely in the eating. Or, rather, hearing as their tunes still sound good today. Now that's what I call class. "Good Times" rolls along very nicely and with some surprise my little girl recognised "Don't Blame It On That Girl" from some dancing show off TV. i wouldn't know as I simply don't watch the rubbish, but nonetheless we had one impressed 8 year-old within earshot! What really is the selling point of this CD is the inspired Joey Negro re-interpretation of "Half A Minute". The genius has created yet another Summertime masterpiece with his "Sunburnt Mix" which is strongly founded on Chic's "Sao Paulo" cut from their debut Chic set from 1977. This also flows brilliantly with his more soulful efforts with the Sunburst band, so if that's to your taste then this will definitely be one to savour. This is a great compilation and should the sun come out, so should this wonderful CD.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Lenny Hamilton - Wayout: Portfolio Vol 1 - 2010 - Ltrain Studio

2010-08-01T17:55:00.003+01:00

If the recent album from the late, great Jimmy Abney was your cup of tea then I think you will also want this CD as it's what I call a great "companion piece" album. It has soul and a haunting atmosphere and far removed from many of the mechanical and unfeeling sets that plague the market these days. All the worthwhile songs here and drenched in dreamy keys, relaxed and warm bass and wispish vocals that very much remind me of Jimmy Abney. There is also THAT haunting, ethereal and ever present synth in the background...this makes my skin chill and my spine tingle and I cannot get enough of this! For once, too, this amazing artist comes from the US and hails from Nashville - the home of other brilliant talents such as Tommy Sims and Tim Dillinger. More on our friend, Tim, later. I would like to start off with track two, "Sistah". NOT a rambling homeboy rant or urban homage this is the epitome of cold chill on a summer's day...though the dreaded crackles marr the beginning we soon lose these and the brilliance overtakes this and what also takes me aback are the slight but genius chord changes that are almost discordant in a very Burt Bacharach mode. Sheer brilliance!

The midtempo, flute-drizzled "Bring It Back" would not be out of place on N'Dambi's latest Stax release and also echoes the feeling of the recent and essential Marcel & The Truth album. Already, for me, this is an essential album. "Cameo Life" also comes into it's own very quickly and the dreamy keys and synth intro hark to the likes of Frank McComb's Motown sessions - even the vocals are in the same postcode zone! "Believe In Me" is very laid back, and handled by a lesser talent would simply be boring BUT the building atmosphere with the dreamy keys, timbales and bass is out of this world. A great song and expertly handled to boot. The synth changes in the middle of the song are so gorgeous and staged that I am given a lump to the throat. this man is sheer genius. I have stopped playing this album, and songs like the aforementioned are seriously played and played and played again, and certain portions of songs like the aforementioned section very much. These songs, should they be the only worthwhile songs, would be more than enough for me BUT there are loads more to revel in. The dreamy Zhané-ish "Come On Over" is simply a dream and the beats make this perfect for the more discerning and intelligent dancefloor. Slightly with a Hip Hop tinge, this is a great track for both head-nodders and those who like some deep synths and warm keys.

Fans of Koop's laid-back jazzy sounds will love the offbeat "Nothing 2 See". This was a tune I was not expecting to hear on this CD and it doesn't ruin the flow at all, the dreamy waltz and brushed percussion make this a gorgeous change of direction. The Impromp2-like jazzy soul of "I'll Wait" is going to be big on quality radio this Summer - and rightly so too. It is SUPERB! The funky slap bass adds a certain something to the steppers groove "So Good To Me" and the piano-led "Walk Away" a spine-tingling mix of Paul Mac Innes & T.B.O.I. and Jimmy Abney and should act as a great backdrop wherever you are and whatever you're doing this summer. The shuffling "OutTheBox" is a nod to Tim Dillinger's radio show which uses this as it's intro. At a criminal 1:15 "Be" is an exercise in synth brilliance. This really needs to be part of something equally as brilliant. As far as I am concerned I cannot recommend this release highly enough and for me a purchase is mandatory and should be added to your collection immediately!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Live Tropical Fish - The Day Is Too Short To Be Selfish - 2010 - LTF Records

2010-07-21T09:01:00.004+01:00

The group name 'Live Tropical Fish' isn't a name you would associate with a quality soul / R&B / Jazz outfit, and as such some may be tempted to browse past this album. PLEASE DON'T!!!!! The album is exquisite and for those of you who appreciate the verve of Italy's abundance of soulful and Jazzy talent and also appreciate the live, soulful feel of Count Basic or the Llangau Big Band then this is so going to be up your street. Bristling with real musicians utilising their instruments to the max, the vocalists come into their own. I am a real fan of all concerned, and it's warming to see and hear artists such as Live Tropical Fish coming to the forefront, again showing the music originators in the US that they have soooooooo come off the rails. Okay, so the feel of the music is LIVE. It's gorgeously and professionally recorded and presented and as top-draw as you could ever hope for. The sexy vocals of Deborah Jordan remind me so much of Marva King - think George Howard's "Find Your Way" - and she is the best icing on the tastiest of cakes on our opening effort, "Peace Of Mind".

The UK's superb singer Laurnea is a real talent - and one who has yet to have her day. Her excellence is shown her by these fellas who know exactly how to pitch a groove with a sassy, no-nonsense vocalist. Laurnea is a rare breed of female singer who have a smoothness, yet possess a rough edge. There is a real bite inherent in her voice - something that the squeaky R&B teens simply do not possess. On "Breath Again" Laurnea toys with us...she can be sexy but like Millie Jackson can soon explode with vocal prowess in sheer catharsis. Keep an eye on this Lady. Tha album takes on a righteous tone with the personal commentaries of life and experience. Vocalist Nick Rolfe takes on racism and prejudice head on in a Jamiroqai meets Darryl Hall moment with a great Incognito flow! The ultra-delicious April Hill wades in with the brassy and jiggly "A Rather Uncomfortable Combination". Her precise, clear, soulful and sexy vocals are perfectly matched on this live, raw groove. Think Tower Of Power meets Nikki Richards. Oh yeah!

My favourite song, however, is the dreamy and slightly horny "Double Dream". The guitar and percussion gently sway like palm trees on a stunning white beach, Laurnea's wispish vocals draw you in almost in a conspiratorial fashion...but the bassline is the killer. It's deep, dirty and evokes a more carnal flavour. Or is it just me?! Whatever the case, this is an AWESOME track. The TOP-ish "Run And Hide" again makes use of the lovely Deborah Jordan and I have to really applaud the guys for their ability to craft adult, serious and meaningful lyrics. This is wholesome music and you get what you need on here - this CD ticks all the right boxes for your musical health! Fans of the brilliant Alison Crockett will love her performance on the dramatic, frantically brassy "Slide Away", and the UK's superb Omar dives in with a latin feel on "Rubber Soul" (NOT the Beatles song of the same name!) Maya Azucena also joins the fray and works her magic on "Rising Bible". Everyone, without exception, excels and more on this CD. This is one that I can do nought but highly recommend.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Chris Youngblood - In Love With You - 2010

2010-07-07T18:32:00.003+01:00

This is a nice little independent number from US artist Chris Youngblood (yes - an American making a half-decent record! I'm surprised too!) . There are no killer tracks or standouts, it just rolls along nicely and pleasantly and is totally inoffensive. I mean no offense by that either, so please don't think I'm putting the set down. However being totally honest, for me it lacks that KILLER edge and being created in the dreadful musical state the US is in today one should not be at all surprised, really, and I certainly don't pin the blame on Chris for that. I'm surprised that anything half decent comes out of there these days, so albums that, say 15 or 20 years ago would have been thought of as weak are now considered standard or - even worse - superb. This is a man of talent, don't doubt that. It just lacks that something special and is simply a symptom of the nasty, horrible, repulsive R&B culture in America today. What position are artists such as Chris Youngblood put in? Most tracks are worthwhile, though - if not memorable - but by the end of the set I am hard to think of a track that would stick in my mind.

There's no homeboy homage to fear, sampling or urban nonsense here. It's laced with guitars and some nice synths amongst the arrangements and Chris himself has a nice voice if not powerful. I suppose when writing about Glenn Jones' "Finesse" set, then playing this it is going to seem like a mighty climbdown but that is, I suppose, an unfair comparison as 26 years and a different world separates the two. the opening song, "In Love With You", has a nice, summery vibe and leads you perfectly into Chris' warm world. If this song is your cup of tea - and nowt wrong if it is - then fair bets are on that you will like the rest of the CD too. It's only near the end that a more typically unpleasant R&B style is tried and this isn't an avenue I would like to see Chris travel down. It's this level of crassness that's killing real music in the US and the less I hear about "shaking booty" the better. Leave that to the kids. Please return to, say, track two "Without You" and hear something far more adult, better and long-lasting. Worth your attention.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Glenn Jones - Finesse - 2010 - Funky Town Grooves

2010-07-07T18:04:00.004+01:00

1984...a Classic year and Glenn Jones at his best on this RCA set produced by Leon Sylvers III, Wayne Braithwaite, Robert Wight and the vivacious La La Cope! I have always loved this man but have found that the later Zomba / Jive sound to have suffered the test of time and this material from the early 80s as being far superior and more attuned to this great man's talents. Already issued in the UK on CD in 1991 by RCA it's long been deleted and great to see it reappear now with bonus tracks in the way of 12" versions of "Finesse" and "I Am Somebody". The quality from master tapes is second to none - I can't be doing with this 'taken from vinyl' nonsense - and this CD is as clear as a bell. The vast majority of this CD is worthwhile and the great days of happy, buoyant uptempo soul music are still fresh in my mind - all that joy, feeling and excitement of that era is perfectly encapsulated in songs such as "Finesse" and "You're The Only One I Love". As soon as the sun is out, I dig these sort of grooves out. Pure bliss.

"Show Me" still grabs my attention every time...this gorgeously lilting ballad is a track that best exemplifies not only the best of Glenn Jones, but the ethos of the day. It makes me cry to think that a set like this will never be recorded again - especially by a label such as Sony. What first drew me to Glenn Jones was his spine-tingling performance on Norman Connors' "Melancholy Fire" back in 1980. That sort of sinuous, yet tender, soulful performance is exactly what "Show Me" allows our hero to do. If only he would be able to do this again as recent sets have been...seriously lacklustre...to say the least. Glenn has got smoothness and he can also let go big style - check out his roaring, soaring passionate style on Leon Sylvers' "Meet Me Halfway there" and see what this giant can do! The Solar sound is one that really energises me...so this, his then contemporary work with the Spinners and the Whispers was so spot on! "Everlasting Love" is nothing short of perfect, and certainly superior to the crass "On The Floor" - but what a phenomenal album from a phenomenal year. AND we can enjoy it all over again..with extras!!!

Barry Towler

2010-06-28T20:15:00.006+01:00

Sky Hi are a brilliant nine-piece band hailing from Nashville, and when I say band I do mean Band. Not some bunch of pimply, pus-filled autotuned singers supported by computers, these are REAL people with real musical talents. Check out their website http://skyhifunk.com/ to see what I mean! Nashville has given birth to much wonderful and timeless music and the tradition of this wonderful region is carried high, torch-like, by Sky Hi and although the flavour is more of Funk than Southern Soul the organ, guitar and Willie Clayton-esc vocals stand as a testament to their more than rich musical heritage and roots. This group certainly have enough in them to deliver us a full CD, but until then we have this collector's 7" single for you to enjoy. Both sides are unmissable and yet again prove that there is ample backlash against the crass mainstream R&B drivel-machine that threatens to wipe any trace of taste, integrity or heritage away from black music.

"Smoothie Pie" features soulful vocalist extraordinaire, Dee, who has all the elements of a quality once-would-have-been and today-absolutely-should-be Soul singer. Dee works his golden, silky tonsils over smooth bass, dreamy 70s rhodes, organ and Memphis-styles horns. the resulting amorphous mulch is absolutely gorgeous...yet another perfect dream of a Summer soul hit. the flipside (how archaic! LOL) is the groovy and funky "Get Yourself Together" which has Dee get more rough, vocal and edgier. the groove, though still on the mellower side of funk still contains some great Organ, break-beat style drum loops and testifyin' southern horns. Does soul music get any better? Well, I for one love this and can't wait to hear more from this wonderful group who are upright, sturdy and taking no nonsense...real soul music is alive and well...and available on the superb G.E.D. Soul label. Down South music. Without any barriers.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Richard Earnshaw - In Time - 2010 - Groovefinder

2010-06-28T19:05:00.010+01:00

Without any hesitation can I guarantee this album as the most essential set of the moment. Definitely one of THE releases of 2010, the UK's superb Richard Earnshaw has laid down a 10-tracker that will sweep you off your feet, knock you down and then send you to outer space. It's a glorious, mad, heady and effervescent mix of late 70s boogie flavours interspersed with Y2K house beats, jazzy vibes and ultra-soulful vocals. The mix of PERFECT. Without sounding to fawning over this set, certain tracks had my heart racing and this effect is such a rare one for me these days. Recall, if you will, the very best moments from the last Sunburst Band release, mix in some soulful house a la Harley & Muscle or Louie Vega and throw in some boogie vibes a la Nick Van Gelder...and drizzle that with Funk n' Jazz a la Roy Ayers, Jamiroquai, Incognito and 4Hero and you are in the right sort of zone. Then you will imagine the sheer magnificence of what this set has to offer.

Richard Earnshaw may be in his mid 30s but the skill and mastery of those true music icons that have preceded him are truly in his DNA. I invite you to get 60 seconds into "Good Love" and not be bowled over. The haunting synth that gradually leads us into a pulsating, hard-hitting dance groove is sublime, and fans of Jamiroquai will lap this up over and over again. Vocalist Erik Dillard shines and provides an equally strong soulful approach that nails the song as a killer yester-now boogie tune. Intoxicated by this massive, massive tune we are hit a second time by the KILLER "My Door Is Open" featuring the powerhouse and unique Carleen Anderson...I've never been a great fan of this Lady, mostly through her material BUT on this she shines, shines and shines...this late 70s boogie number is MASSIVE...the horns, hi hat and funky bassline will get the most reluctant feet on the floor and the horns are superb. Welcome to 1979 31 years on!

The legendary Jocelyn Brown adorns the dico house of "Worthy" graciously, dominantly and with such finesse...if Divas Of Color's recent track featuring Evelyn King is to your taste then this will be equally toothsome. The next track is simply the jewel in the crown...although I have one HUGE complaint about it. The dreamy, beautiful keys and gently ascending beats and rhodes are nothing short of divine and the bassline sexy beyond belief...the whole groove is so Roy Ayers that it hurts. The spoken word by Ursula Rucker is highly righteous and essential...Roy Ayers' vibes typically brilliant BUT...but...why the hell put an annoying (and I do mean annoying) static / vinyl crackle LOUDLY through the song. It ruins the beauty of the track and, franky, I ditched crappy vinyl years ago for CD and certainly do NOT want to have this ersatz noise overdubbed on what has to be one of the most essential songs of 2010. I trust that they do the decent thing and remove it forthwith prior to proper release later in July.

Natsha Young adds some real smoothness and quietude to the laid-back and dreamy "Young And Foolish" and follows a brilliant instrumental in the shape of "Green Room". Following this gem is a real barnstormer featuring the UK's very own soul superstar Kenny Thomas. I have always rated this gentleman and not once has he let us down. This song, "Waiting" pitches Kenny into a maelstrom of disco-funk complete with Roy Ayers' vibes. Sounds good? No, it's actually far better than good AND the tonal changes are very Stevie Wonder circa his classic 1972 - 1976 period. Yeah...that's how they have this jam sown up. Imogen Ryall's "Cry Me A River" adds some atmosphere and shade, complete with 70s Lonnie Liston Smith keys, and to close down the set we have another head-spinner in the brilliant dancer "In Time" featuring Erik Dillard and vibes supremo Roy Ayers. Honestly, I cannot enthuse about this album more without my writing becoming parodaic. If only they scrap that awful crackle...but regardless this is one the the most essential albums that you will need to buy this summer. Let the hot, hazy days roll on and on and on...

Barry Towler

The Vibe scribe

Drizabone Soul family - All The Way - 2010 - Dome Records

2010-06-17T14:08:00.003+01:00

What a real and genuine pleasure to have a brand new Drizabone album delivered to us, and one that is crammed full of brilliant dancers and midtempos. There's a remake - yes another! - of their early 90s hit, "Real Love", plus ten other jams that all slot into place into today's wonderfully vibrant US / Europe scene...80s flavours, Modern flavours and even some 60s flavours too! There 's a wonderful pot-pourri of sounds abound the market place today and a style to suit everybody...Drizabone cleverly and expertly capitalise on this and do what they have always done best - deliver the goods. Almost 20 years on stage and in the studio, Drizabone launch their latest set with the BRILLIANT "Never Stop The Groove" - something that stands as testament to their longevity and appeal. This boogie tune is US sounding and straddles the classy Y2K UK Soul groove sound as well as a classic US early 80s flavour. This, folks, is superb and the more material I hear like this the better. Akon anyone? No, thought not.

The early / mid 60s swayer "I Fell Apart" could almost be an inclusion on, say, Jackie Ross' awsome "Full Bloom" album - or even on a side by Patrice Holloway. Simply put, it's a blinding track and lovely to have such contrasting grooves sat side by side on one album. Fans of their superb "Shining Star" track will easily feel warmth towards the boogie-times sounding "No More Sorrow", and what a corker this track is. Brilliantly delivered with real soul and real instruments! Check out the zingy strings!!! The breezy and summery "Girlfriendz" contains some brilliant guitar work that we have been used to on early 80s efforts, so it will come as no surprise that I love this to bits. And look...more strings! Having more strings than a Gerry Anderson production, you will love the aura of this album. The only thing marring the set for me is a persistent 'vinyl crackle' effect...AAAARGH! If you repress this guys, please kill it!!! If a recording was supposed to sound like that our heroes of old would have either recorded in a chip shop OR employed someone to sit by a mike popping bubble-wrap! Moan over!

One of Britian's finest artists, Keni Stevens, pops up on the gorgeous duet "Lovin' U"...so wonderful to hear this real legend again and I hope that he gets in the studio again real soon to deliver more niceness (facebook me, mate and keep me updated!) You will love this, and also love the summery vibes of the relaxed and chilled "All The Way"...sexy vocals and warm breeze melodies will wrap you up and consume you. This is excellent and although I was expecting a cracking set, by the time I reached this point I was totally over the moon at how much better it was that I could have imagined. Brilliant! the 80s again rears it's head with "Slow Luv (All Thru The Night) which would easily sit alongside numerous classics from the early - mid 1980s...this track is heaven!!! With "Real Love" having more incarnations than BBC's popular Doctor Who, it appears here again for 2010 - fresh, re-worked and still owning a great piano line that lazily supports the bassline and freaky 80s keys. What a great ending to a great CD! This release is essential.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

BigBand Splash - Another Apple - 2010 Wime Records

2010-06-16T12:39:00.000+01:00

This set is SUPERB! Hailing from Sweden, this brilliant combo deliver us a set of 'yester-now- tunes that will appeal to everybody. On listening to this CD, one can hear so many influences...Stax, Hi, Motown, and is totally in sync with 2010's finest proponents of this great sound - think Eli "Paperboy" Reed or Al Supersonic & The Teenagers. There isn't a single bad track on here, although one or two stand up above the rest. Needless to say that all instrumentation is real, the horns punch and have real inflection, the sax is gritty and the drums perform with real precision. There's soul here, funk and blues in equal measure...I would LOVE to see this band perform live as they must really be something to behold in full flow! Vocally these guys may come from as far afield of the Delta, Detroit or Chicago as you can imagine but they have real SOUL in their bones and know exactly how to execute it. Vocalist John Németh is the first vocalist to appear on the mighty "Walk A Mile In My Shoes", and totally takes control of the track with his powerful vocals with more than enough of a Stax flavour to keep me entranced. This could easily be an unreleased gem from 1967! Plenty would be fooled, I can tell you! Sven Zetterburg's brilliant bluesy guitar is amazing on "Drowning On Dry Land" and his vocals not too far removed from Dr. John are a perfect companion to this horn-drenched, funky number. Again, there is no mimicry here...Big band Splash deliver THE REAL ARTICLE. So...why the hell can our US cousins no longer do the same...come on, guys...get weaving!!!!

The beautiful Greta Bondesson gives us a sexy vocal performance on a song that is worthy of a standing ovation..."I Had A Fight With Love" is the epitome of class...sexy, cool and totally sophisticated this has to be one of THE songs released in 2010. A phenomenal song that I cannot stop playing...truly in a 60s mould that could easily be another unreleased Stax gem from the 1965 - 1968 era...the set is rendered mandatory for this song alone - all other superb cuts are a magical bonus as far as I am concerned! Never did I imagine that I would be sat here in 2010 listening to brand new music as if it were recorded 45 years ago!!! And yet it is timeless, totally modern and contemporary at the same time. But, of course it is...it's soul music! Fans of Jackie Wilson's vocal style should appreciate Marino Valle's energetic vocal workout on "That's What Happens" and the funky brassy instrumental "Another Apple" will appeal to fans of the Dapp Kings. "Valerie", again, features Marino Valle on vocals, supported by the gorgeous Bondesson sisters and runs along a similar groove as Jackie Wilson's "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher And Higher" and I really must give a shout to the final song, "Looking Up" which sounds very live to me, and is criminally short! It does, however, contains some brilliant guitar work and I wish we had a MUCH longer version 'cos 94 seconds just ain't enough!!! This is a no-risk purchase and lovers of real, decent, brilliantly performed music should own a copy.

2010-06-10T11:03:00.003+01:00

This is a set that many of us - including retailers - have only just cottoned on to! This most discreet of 2008 releases threatened to slip out and sink without a trace...WHY? Thanks to the specialist retailers here in the UK for picking up on this and shame to the powers that be Stateside for keeping it quiet. The album is a showcase of vibrant, honest-to-goodness talent and all overseen by the one and only Rex Rideout. Rex, of course, is no stranger to any of us. His work with the likes of Maysa, Club 1600, Will Downing and so on and so forth is exemplary. This album will, therefore, be a sure-fire hit for those who love his work. Importantly, this is a charity release, and is in support of the Sisters Network, Inc which is the only Afro-American Breast Cancer survivors' organisation in the US, and proceeds from the sale of this CD are going to this more than worthy cause. Also noteworthy is the fact that this CD sees the best performances of some artists for YEARS.

An unknown name to me is the strong, sassy and Terry Ellis-styled singer Lauren Evans...two inclusions here to shout about, and both open and close the set. "Love, Respect And Peace" is a funky effort with plenty of attitude, strength and positivity and would not be out of place on Al Green's last set! The sexier and more essential, in my opinion, cut "Promises" is blinding in the extreme. Reminiscent of Byron Miller's recent outings, or Will Downing for that matter, this meaty affair will not disappoint. the synths here are haunting, ambient and totally superb. Talking of superb, "Much Betta" aptly sums up the quality of this Angie Stone song as opposed to the vast majority of material this Lady has recorded since leaving Vertical Hold. Gone is the crass Urban / Homegirl taint and all the fiddle-faddle that goes with it, and Rex shepherds Angie back to where she she should be, and that is making quality ADULT soul music. No heavy beats, no samples, no vocalising...simply an amazing vocal talent doing what she does best...SING...with REAL music too.

Also giving us her very best is Ledisi, fresh from her recent disappointing (to put it mildly) set for Verve with one of the best songs she has ever laid down. Co-written with Rex, "Bring It To Me" is diffused by a strong beat, warm keys and drums courtesy of Michael White. Darrell Crooks' superb guitar also laces this and in a few short minutes erases the memory of that dreadful album in one felt swoop! Lalah Hathaway (marry me, please!!!!) has not disappointed us one iota over the years and carries on with this splendid track record with the gorgeously sensuous "Looking Back"...fans of early 80s keys will die for this, and Gary Meek's flute is to die for! ESSENTIAL! Shanice Wilson reappears after a good decade with the beautiful "Hold On", and ion this beat ballad Rex brings out the best of her voice and reminds us how amazing this talent is. Get her a record label NOW! Do I have to tell you that Maysa's "Lovin' You Is Easy" is superb? No, of course I don't - and of course it is!!! Will Downing's tribute to Barry White on "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little Bit More Baby" is OK, but is - perhaps surprisingly - overshadowed by "Can You Feel Me" which is a killer spoken word effort by the Cosby Show's very own Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Brilliant! It's sad to hear "Laid back Love" by Wayman Tisdale...knowing we have lost this Great man is a very hollow feeling, but a great track to remind us, should we need it, of what a master he was on the guitar as well as 'in the zone'. Please do not overlook this amazing album - before it disappears forever!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Norman Brown - Sending My Love - 2010 - Peak

2010-06-08T19:36:00.006+01:00

Norman Brown, a protegee of Norman Connors, has delivered us so many wonderful songs over the past 18 years and the quality does not stop there. His cool, summery hook-ridden compositions are really endearing to me, and although he does scrape into the yawn-inducing 'smooth Jazz' category there is so much more to him than the rest of those who he is within touching-distance of. far from being bland, spineless and appealing to late-night shoppers or lift attendants, Norman Brown has real teeth and is very much his own man. The richness of his sound, the soulful and considered delivery sets him way above many of his peers and as such there is little that this man can do which I would find wrong. Like Najee and other from the pre-muzak revolution, Norman inflicts the genre with inspiration and colour. He uses vocals where he can, and no better is our Norman when he involves a singer or two. For my money, though, the instrumentals are the winners here. I am drawn into the warm Wes Montgomery sound and Norman is definitely a master of his trade.

The bright, breezy and optimistic opener "Come Go With Me" works a treat and would get Benson fans tapping their feet - not unlike something off of his Mojazz sets, this is a real treat and the summer timbales and fender keyboards may be subtle yet they work perfectly. Listen closely and hear the intricacy of the groove. Nice! the Eric Gale-ish "Here Is My Number" is also a real treat. I have loved playing this in the car, feeling the warm summer breeze - just a perfect groove for a day like today. The semi vocal effort "Sending My Love" is also effective, and the odd quirky 80s keyboard touch is a welcome, and not at all anachronistic, addition. The song that i have fallen in love with is the deep, rich "Special Moments". Summer was made for a song like this...the deep, resonant bass pitched against the gorgeous guitar and warm keys is sheer aural luxury and something that I can savour over and over and over again. The key changes are spine-tingling and if a CD can be worn out then this track may be one to try and see if that is actually a possibility!

The contemporary vocal effort "I'm Pouring My Heart Out" is another gem and those who loved Charlie Singleton's work with the James Blackwell Project should find this equally essential. Following this is yet another winning instrumental in the Benson / Montgomery bag - totally in the pocket and great for the car or - as I am increasingly known - for the headphones. The final, yet rather short, cut is also a vocal effort, and is again a contemporary flavour - I detect that damn-awful autotune in the background though...when will this DREADFUL practice disappear up the Appian way?! This is very minor here and relegated to the background - where it belongs in my book - and still does not disappoint as a closing song. So, 2010 sees the return of this new master of Jazz, and I for one will always welcome new material from him, vocal or not.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Jesse James - I Feel Your Love Changing / It's Time For Change - 2010 - Soul Junction

2010-06-08T18:53:00.003+01:00

Jesse James...a true gentleman, artist, performer and a legend. AND as far as I am concerned any release from this gentleman is more than welcome, even when on a 7" single! Holding one of these is great, though, and one totally understands the sheer joy and nostalgia of the things. It also suits an artist like Jesse James...one can see the Gunsmoke label and it feel right, somehow. This single, the latest in a long-line (I hope!) of releases on this quality label will sure to become yet another collector's item. This single encompasses both old and new sounds from the Great man, and as far as i am personally concerned I plumb for the newer recording. The James and Jennifer McClelland-written "I Feel Your Love Changing" is a mighty fine tune, though and will surely grow on you more and more as you replay this song. Although the date of 2010 appears on the label this is surely a mid 1970s gem and one that I had not heard before. Typical of the man in many ways, and yet again makes me frown as we are treated to a sublime vocal performance from a man who should be a lot more exulted than what he is.

The flip-side is the tune that I really dig, and is an alternative version of the song "It's Time For Change" which can be found on his "Get In Touch With Me" album release. If you like this song then you - like me - will be pleased to know that there are two versions of this available on that particular CD! Felton Pilate of Con Funk Shun fame has had input on that album so I can heartily recommend a purchase on that fact alone! This single, though, offers us a version that is not on the CD, and it's a pity this is not available on CD. The groove is brilliant, and has a flavour of a quality midtempo from the early 1990s. A classy groover, this, and a really righteous tune full of social commentary about today - the time that Jesse James; mother called 'the end of days'. This is one of the best recordings Mr. James had laid down in a long time, and one can tell that Mr. Pilate is in the studio. Well worth a purchase and a song that you will never tire of spinning. Available from all good specialist soul retailers.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Norman Connors - Take It To The Limit / Mr. C - 1980, 1981 - Expansion

2010-05-28T16:07:00.004+01:00

When cherished artists seem to lose their steam, lose their verve and fall into the stickiest of honey traps that is the cover version set, it's always nice to have a healthy and wealthy back-catalogue to rely on. For me, Norman Connors last set was not at all what i wanted to hear and it was one of those times where I shook my head with sadness and dug out an old album, wishing wistfully that he re-listen to these gems and like Austin Powers return to the past to get his mojo back. Expansion possibly had this in mind when cherry-picking these two wonderful Arista sets from 1980 and 1981 respectively. Norman Connors is, without any hesitation in my mind a true Master of his game. He was surely at the peak of his powers on Arista and anybody wishing to contest that should take one listen to "Melancholy Fire" and try to come up with a case against. On this song alone there is so much brilliance, creativity and design...a perfect fusion of soul meeting jazz. Glenn Jones has rarely sounded better and what a summertime anthem if ever I heard one. For this song alone I would unhesitatingly recommend a purchase of this two-fer.

Of course, it doesn't begin or end there. Miss Adriatha - a long-time collaborator with Mr. C - returns again prior to her making an appearance later in the decade on Motown as Ada Dyer. Also attending the party that is "Take It To The limit" is the legendary Al Johnson, another Connors protegee whom I have every bit of time and respect for. weren't the 80s a great time for our music? the title track is a great dancer and typical of that era, minus the trappings that was the death-throws of the Disco era! This Mtume styled dancer is a killer and deserves a fresh unleashing on radio and our quality dancefloors. Again, I can say the same for Al Johnson's "I Don't Need Nobody Else" - a superb Leon ware type groove that we already know and love from Lou Courtney's terrific 1974 LP! The second killer on here bar Glenn Jones' effort is Leon Ware's monster "Everywhere Inside Of Me". Leon Ware is one of my most cherished souls in this world, and one listen to this makes my heart sing. The Prince of seduction meets Norman Connors...please, God, let this musical pairing occur again!

1981 was a classic year and Mr. C certainly fits in with the wealth of quality that year. A more synthesised sound was making it's entrance then, and Norman was there along with Beau Williams creating the brilliant dancer, "She's Gone". I can't ever go any length of time without giving this track an airing, and nice to see it released here on CD other than on an expensive Japanese reissue! Glenn Jones, hot from his previous encounter with Mr. C appears again on the superb "Sing A Love Song"...for me Mr. Jones really fits into this groove. It would, in my opinion, benefit him greatly to return to these calmer waters. Jean Carn and Derrick Hughes burn down the house with the brilliant "Love's In Your Corner" and provide us with a great dancer in the style of an Al Mckay production. This is a top-drawer album and together with "Take It To The limit" Expansion have given us a mighty two-fer that is beyond essential. Go on, chuck away your crackly old vinyl and hear these brand new, fresh and clear!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Various Artsts - Sonic Wax singles - 2010 - Sonic Wax

2010-05-28T15:14:00.005+01:00

Sonic Wax are about to unleash a number of 7-Inch singles onto the collector's market, all of which are welcome releases. We're talking about a wide and refreshing variety of styles here ranging from 60s soul (I hate to use the term Northern Soul - it's one of the biggest and misleading pigeon-holes I know) through today's soulful house / dance to crossover soul and pop. As a set of singles these really display a care of and knowledge for the music we all know and love, and as such it's a mighty fine pleasure to highlight these as I do today. The first release is from Tyrone Davis' uncle, L.T. Davis and a fine unreleased 60s crossover-appeal release it is too! Although, from what I hear it wasn't funky enough for young Tyrone! Whatever the case, it is still mighty fine. Limited - as are all singles - to 500 copies, "Love Recipe" has some very solid ingredients - a floating dancer with nice warm bass, belting guitar and should definitely see liberal sprinklings of talcum powder over a few dancefloors this summer. Johnny Moore's superb late 70s effort "Don't Let It Blow Your Mind" is truly superb and follows on from the great work he gave us throughout the 1960s. This is a great summer stepper and follows in the 60s tradition very much as the Drifters' "Pour Your Little Heart Out" did too.

A new song is our next highlight - "Come Back With Me" contains all the great elements of a modern room smash...a hint of southern grit, a booming beat and some funky slap bass and keys...fans of the new Floyd Taylor album should find this equally as essential. catchy, bubbly and pervasive, this is a real modern monster. The unissued 90s dancer "Set Your Sights" by Janice James would fit perfectly onto any new Togetherness set, in the flavour of late 70s steppers such as Richard Stepp's "Caught Up In A Whirlwind" and also has flavours of, say, modern garage or UK flavours. This is superb and deserves to be a smash. If you own the debut set by the brilliant Tortured Soul then you will already know the opening cut, "Home To You" which has been lifted here for release. Today's yester-now sound is strong here with a funky 70s groove but a modern garage / club gait. This, to me, is a great sound and the more material released like this the better!

From the 90s comes Lisa Stansfield's "8, 3, 1" - this song has done the business for well over a decade and should still be keeping feet moving well beyond 2010. What a gorgeous Lady anyway! I'm biased! Who cares?! LOL. The real show-stopper for me is Mousse T's German soul effort "Brother On The Run" - a song I have not heard before...one of the finest soul dancers i have heard in a long time! Again, the modern club sound of disco house meets 70s soul and funk head on...this is a MONSTER! When I spoke with Cool Million they sang the praises of a group called Ferry Ultra...odd name, but there you go! their collaboration with the mighty Gwen McCrae is BLINDING. Uptempo soul with a yester-now vibe, this is going to pack the dancefloor as if someone has thrown £20 notes onto the floor! The final song is the modern Gospel groove of Lay Lemmons and "Glory" - as you know I can't swallow a non-secular groove but here the solid groove, strings and funky bass make this a top-draw tune and one hell of a floor-filler. Sonic Wax have really deserved a pat on the back for this release. Hopefully we will see some of these appear on good old-fashioned CD soon as well as limited edition singles - although I have to say top marks on the label designs, lads. Great stuff!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Lou Rawls - Now Is The Time / Close Company - 1982 / 1984 - Expansion

2010-05-28T10:26:00.005+01:00

When I saw Expansion had pencilled this two-fer for release I immediately emailed label boss, Ralph Tee and expressed my genuine delight and thanks. These are my all-time favourite albums of Lou Rawls, and never did I imagine seeing their release on CD, especially outside of Japan. These albums may not be on the Philadelphia International label but the whole writing / production team for both sets are classic Philly through and through. Epic were soon to realise the continuing might of Lou Rawls with Dexter Wansel, Mtume and Thom Bell supporting him. Yet, these albums came and went without fanfare or trace. Lou himself called his three 1980s Epic releases his 'hidden gems' and I was well acquainted with "Close Company" when it was released late in 1984 it wasn't until 1998 that I stumbled across the MONSTER "Now Is The Time" album...and what an essential set it is.

"Now Is The Time" is Philly magic at it's best. Every track a winner, no fills and no cop-outs. Twenty-eight years on this remains a solid, staple set of real soul tunes and I can commend this as much as I can any brand new release, if not more. Fans of Thom Bell's 80s works will simply bask in tracks such as the dreamy and laid-back "(Will You) Kiss Me One More Time", string-laden classics "Ain't That Love Baby" and "Watch Your Back" (songs co-penned with Deniece Williams, which is a perfect joiner for anything on her then-recent sets "My Melody" and "Niecy"). The Teddy Pendergrass-ish "This Love", written by Commodores main man Walter Orange closes the set and the Thom Bell efforts and so leaves us with the monumental productions from the equally legendary James Mtume who was doing great things at Epic at that time. Classy, stylish and in the Philly mood, Mtume crafted "Let Me Show You How" with expert flair...a ballad of distinction and one that would have suited any of the class acts of the day. "While The Rain Comes Down" equals this and empowers Lou's rich vocals, and we are left with the title track which is a real modern monster...so good Expansion included it on their essential Mtume and Lucas collection some years ago.

Not as solid a set, but containing some real jaw-droppers, 1984's "Close Company" continues this two-fer. Philly Stalwarts Dexter Wansel and Cynthia Biggs throw in a flavour of golden Philly sounds, and the superb title track - a David Porter and Donald O'Connor song (he of Bearsville Records' "Come Alive" fame) - simply eases you along. The rich vocal is ably supported by a gentle, unassuming tune and supporting vocals from those who include Wanda Vaughan and Josie James. What I love about Lou Rawls' voice is the clarity and depth...his was a truly masterful voice and I am deeply saddened that it has been silenced. I feel this sadness so much when I hear what is my all-time favourite song...his reading of Michael Jackson's "Lady In My Life"...already a great song, Lou Rawls along with Dexter Wansel, Don Renaldo and The Jones Girls make this a piece of intense Philly magic...never has Lou sounded so at home on a track, and the vibe is simply perfect; the Jones Girls, not unlike the Sweethearts, perfection itself, effortless and sexy. So...I am thrilled beyond measure to own this track, and these two albums, on crystal clear CD. Expansion and other reissues labels deserve credit and thanks for keeping gems like this alive. ESSENTIAL.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

TBD - TBD - 2010 - Mac Man Music

2010-05-25T17:01:00.003+01:00

Dazz Band member and all-round nice chap Marlon McClain certainly cannot be accused of sitting on his laurels at the moment with a number of exciting music releases under his belt. To his credit he has pursued the great truth of quality rather than quality and I think that what he has committed here to CD is real quality. An album of seriously funky tunes - instrumental in nature - that draws together the funky legacy of the Dazz band, his strong production credentials since the 1980s as well as a healthy display of freestyle jazz and blues riffs courtesy of his guitar licks. To be honest I cannot fault this CD on a musical level BUT - and it is a big but - I personally think it suffers due to a lack of vocals. This, as I cannot stress enough is purely stated from my own personal viewpoint. It by sure ain't gospel - check it out for yourself. Personally I get bored of a string of instrumentals and sit eagerly awaiting a vocal to come in. However, my gripes aside, if you like the later material of both Roy Ayers or Norman Brown then you are going to love this CD.

The opening cut relies on George Clinton's smokey vocals lifted from the Dazz Band's "Ain't Nothin' But A Jam Y'all" - a great track! - and the flavour is ratcheted up a few notches in the funk'n'jazz departments. The following cut is BRILLIANT, and a track that would not be out of place on a Norman Brown set featuring Roy Ayers! "Come On" is uplifting, summery and oh-so bouncy - perfect as I sit here lapping up the hot summer-styled sunshine! "Dreaming Of You" is gorgeous. I really would love to hear at least a semi-vocal on here - you know, a wistful sexy female refraining away wouldn't go amiss BUT it is still a grand track and one that Marlon should be proud of. Philip Martin's lilting sax is right out of the Everette Harp field and the summery vibe is pitched right, making this track provide some light and shade.

Sax man Patrick Lamb is an old fave hear at Soulchoonz and his mighty powers blow in on the wistful "Sorry To Say", this following to fine rootsy and 60s flavoured cuts too! Someone who I can pick out immediately from any composition that he may be involved with is Jeff Lorber. Of course, Jeff and Marlon have collaborated before and this track will rouse your interests if you loved 2004's excellent "Shades Of Soul" album. Jeff has a signature style that is carefree and buoyant and totally whimsical yet soulful, deep and full of expression. Unique, instantly recognisable but NEVER predictable, he draws all this together into those magic fingers of his on "Life Is". Superb, and right where he was back on Arista in the late 70s and early 80s! Although I dearly wish for vocals, what I cannot say about this CD is that it is boring. By no means is this a Smooth Jazz set. This has guts, spine, pizazz, a grittiness and earthy flavours and will not send you to sleep within moments of the opening cut! This comes highly recommended and a great piece of instrumental work has been created by all involved. Available to buy from June 1st!

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Ted Winn - balance - 2010 - Shanachie

2010-05-21T17:45:00.004+01:00

Shanachie have unleashed a lot of material recently, the best of which has been the superb Maysa set. Those who like Gospel / praise music will be in for a treat with this set from the superb vocal talent who is Ted Winn. Following in the footsteps of other Church-raised and trained singers such as Fred Hammond and Kirk Franklin. Although non-secular recordings are not generally my cup of tea there is enough on here to get involved with and I have to start with the truly inspirational and well crafted lyricism of the title track, "Balance". This song, crammed with real instrumentation is lovely. The sentiments in this song about how we treat ourselves, our neighbours, and nature and the environment is something that crosses all dividing lines and as such this is a really great track. The quality of the recording, too is absolutely superb - as we would expect from this label. The live feel that is so loved by fellow Gospel artist, Daryl Coley, is adopted on this set and you can hear that not only is Ted comfortable in his Ministry, he absolutely loves it - and his excellent vocals combined with some smooth female backings make him something worth listening to - check out the Tony Momrelle and the Llungau Big band flavoured "Connected To The Kingdom" for a flavour of this.

This merges into the brassy "His Favour" which slinks into a righteous groove complete with organ and Tower Of Power touches. This is impressive! This live feel gives us an impression of what a real talented artist can do, and the ability to be creative and very much off the hoof. I was surprised and yet warmed by the AOR tinged "Moving Forward". I am rather comfortable with this kind of material and it's good to hear a bit of texture in such a setting as this CD. Returning to the live feel, "No Weapon" carries the set forward again and vocally Ted is a really commanding presence, expertly supported by a truly talented choir. the relaxed and jazzier "The Lifter" is simple yet vocally effective. Tedd Winn presents us with a multi-faceted CD that exemplifies his testimony, his abilities and his real talents. Fans of inspirational, live, non-secular albums will not want to miss this one.

Barry Towler

The Vibe scribe

The Temptations - Still Here - 2010 - 10/30 International

2010-05-21T17:05:00.002+01:00

The Temptations, on the eve of their 50th anniversary, release the first set new songs in six years. A new label, but the same strong Temptations 'wall of sound' vocals set against a contemporary setting. How many of yesteryear's acts skulk around trying to keep alive the flame of a once roaring fire, these guys just keep going, overcoming all obstacles and upheavals and not once have they skipped a beat. The Temptations are true survivors and it's with real, genuine pleasure that they can present their new album, aptly titled "Still Here". The seminal work they have produced since their 'relaunch' with "Phoenix Rising" has been nothing short of phenomenal. Although I have, through personal taste, chosen to not bother with their previous two covers sets, I have more than embraced this album - albeit with one or two reservations. As far as new material goes since the late 1990s, I will be honest and say that I feel that this is - to me at least - definitely not one of the better ones. However, amongst the album are moments of true splendour, wonder and genius.

By 1983 Earth Wind and Fire were floundering. "Electric Universe", for me, rated as their worst release and it seemed that this supergroup had started struggling to find a place in the increasingly brass-less, synth and drum machine led 1980s. Out steps frontman Philip Bailey with his debut solo release, "Continuation". Production was from the legendary George Duke, and at a time when many front men / women were breaking loose and making their solo debuts, George Duke was a really strong choice for the mantle of producer on this set. I have to say that this is by no means my favourite album of Philip Bailey but it does contain my two all-time favourite songs of this amazing man. That, dear readers, is more than justification for a reissue of this album! Remastered from master tapes, too, courtesy of Funky Town Grooves and Sony USA, this album really is a shining example of what Philip was able to do as an artist in his own right. I have to highlight my two favourite songs. For me these are PERFECT. Perfect vehicles for Philip's soulful, dynamic and immediately recognisable vocals, as well as perfect examples of quality soul in the early 1980s.

"Trapped" was a song that I instantly fell in love with on first hearing. This is a love affair that stands to this day. I cannot tell how often I have played this song...though I can tell you that it's appeal has not diminished one iota since 1983. You can tell that George Duke has a strong hand on the tiller. If you adored his work on his own "Rendezvous" set - think "Gotta Get Back To Love" and "Stay Awhile" - then you will love this song in equal measure. Strings, summery and great keys this is a great, great effort and both Phillip and George should take a great pride in this momentous effort. The follow-on song is another drop-dead killer. If you love Deniece Williams as much as I do, then "It's Our Time" is not going to do anything but fill you with sheer delight. If you know this song already then I don't need to heap praise on it. You already know. Otherwise, just buy the album and enjoy the rich instrumentation - strings, rhythm guitar and warm Fender Rhodes....and some great interplay between two voices who are superbly matched and balanced. The production, again, is irreproachable. As well as this we have the deliciously summery "Vaya". Bailey sings like an angel...a trait that he carries on to this day. An amazing talent and an essential release from Funky Town Grooves USA!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy from Amazon

Leon Beal - Keep On Pushing - 2010

2010-04-20T16:21:00.003+01:00

Leon Beal has had a great deal of experience on stage and in performance, having opened up for some of the greatest names in soul music. His debut CD really was a smashing set - if you are not aware of it then please check it out on CD Baby. The follow up album is perhaps not as strong but is certainly not a disappointment either - not by any stretch of the imagination! It's an album of contrasts - light and shade - different flavours and different moods and as such is a thoroughly listenable and enjoyable album. Sets like these differ so much from the mainstream music scene as rammed down our throats by the media - you know the sort: plodding, monochranistic formulaic modern R'n'B sets that neither inspire nor captivate. Leon Beal has character, depth and is a REAL talent. His voice is commanding, it has emphasis and isn't afraid to show a vulnerability as well as an exuberance and catharsistic quality that only real soul singers can make claim to. The outset of the album is sheer joy to the ears: uptempo modern disco-soul with a house music dressing. Pulsating rhythms, wah-wah guitar and powerful vocals celebrating nights out simply gettin' down and having fun. Smooth, with real emphasis and oomph when needed, Leon Beal carries this off with ease.

Fans of sax and soul will mourn the absence of such an instrument in today's music scene, yet Leon has seen the light and has plenty of sax drizzled over his songs. I really have to highlight the wonderfully rich "Closer To You" for many reasons - great musicianship, vocally strong and real direction all combine to create a heady track and one that I can heartily recommend. "Good Love" follows a similar recipe for success as does the 80s sounding "Lights, Camera, Action!". I particularly appreciate the haunting synth and guitar. If you prefer a more fluid and 'real instrument' kind of sound then "Live The Life" complete with piano, muted trumpet and flute will really appeal to you as it does me. The final track, "Why Do You Have To Leave", closing the set is really strong - a totally essential song which has excellent production and although very contemporary and very much quality it would have great appeal to those who love Southern flavours. So, in summing up - a multi-talented artist with a multicoloured, varied and interesting release. Can't do much better than that can you?!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Lamar Thomas - No Rain, No Rainbow - 2010 - Thomtay Records

2010-04-13T18:58:00.006+01:00

Lamar Thomas and Judy Taylor have been delivering the goods for many a year now, and their recent works have been covered here, and it's great to see a new solo set from the Man himself, Lamar Thomas. Lamar is a great talent and a very intelligent man. You can tell from how he writes, how he things and how he as an artist working for himself has survived. It's always been an uphill struggle for our music and I take my hat off to those like Lamar who remain standing and - as this set proves - keep up with the times. Now, there's keeping up with the times and there's surrendering or pandering to vogue. Fear not. This work is very much 2010 - it's not backward looking or anything like that but a...continuation...this fluidity and continuity in artists such as Lamar Thomas is something to admire. the album, too, will not disappoint fans of the man. It is, all told, a solid set and one that has had a lot of thought process, time and effort put into it. Thoughtful and mature lyrics are a favourite of mine, and as such I can honestly recommend the title song. Also, being a sucker for an interesting and non-linear arrangement as well as jazzy flute I am well won over!

Some may take surprise at the heavy and club-orientated House / garage sound adopted on "I Feel Good". Though, in truth, you shouldn't. Lamar's voice and style is perfect for this type of groove and recent House jams have benefited from the likes of Terry Dexter, Evelyn King, James Ingram and so on. It's a natural expression and suits the man down to the ground. Play this song LOUD. Feel that deeeeeep bass! I heard "If I Had My Way" a month or so ago on YouTube and since then this modern jam has SERIOUSLY grown on me. Easily throwing down a gauntlet to today's generation of Ne-Soul Hippity Hoppers, this song easily stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of what the whippersnappers can do. It's a real grower, and the lyrics are not as wispish as you may imagine. I detect some real anger behind the words. Lamar Thomas sees the world for what it is, and far from being a pious and self-edifying effort it's more of a statement of understanding. Not, as I originally thought, a riposte to Smokey's old classic, "My Soul Is Not Responding" relates to the deterioration and collapse of a relationship. It speaks of a hurt and a numbness. A poignant song.

"Love Come On" is a bubbly number with what can only be described as a near Reggae backbeat. the guitar here nods towards the City of Brotherly Love, and the groove smacks of today, but QUALITY today. I think that you, dear reader, are going to LOVE "You Do Magic"...the bouncy castle beat and sweet sax is superb and Lamar sounds absolutely superb against this groove. Gerald Alston would do a great job on this, too. Again, the flute comes in and works wonders. I LOVE this song - well worth the price of entry for this song alone, let alone the aforementioned!!! "Blue Dress" is another sure-fire winner and I would be very surprised if this was not played to death on quality radio. There is a really flirtatious, sensual and sexy bassline...almost predatory and horny that is "That's What You Get". The beat and rhythm arrangement is modern, intelligent and imaginative...the haunting synth is something else much sublime. This is a great track, devastatingly so. Younger R'n'B fans may not get this set. Older heads may take some time to get into the vibe. Others, like myself can hear the marrying of past and future - and the final song "You Don't Know What Love Is" perfectly sums up this amorphous mulch...lyrically classic, soulfully delivered, yet totally modern and forward thinking. Ladies and Gentleman...the evolution of Lamar Thomas - and promoted and marketed by the good people at www.soulchoonz.com.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

The Heart 2 Heart Band - Mind Your Business - 2010 - Dream City Records

2010-04-13T18:25:00.003+01:00

The Persuaders meets Ronnie McNeir meets Lou Wilson! How does that sound?! Well, to me that sounds just like the Heart 2 Heart Band. By the way, these are not the fellas that scored the music for the popular '70s TV show of the same name either! The set is one that lovers of real soul, southern soul and an endearing, independent sound will warm to. There is, I am sure, something for everyone on here. I am comfy with all styles and even though it is not up with the major studies as far as recordings go, this is by no means cheap or shoestring by any stretch of the imagination. For my ears and my particular taste I can heartily recommend "Let's Build A Castle" for it's sheer soulfulness, high quality and spot-on musicianship and vocals. Joining Bobby James, Gary Hardwick and Frank McKinney is the delightfully fresh Sarah Rucker on vocal chores here, and what a great singer she is too - if we could hear more of this sexy, dynamic and exiting vocalist the better! Fans of Willie Clayton and Floyd Taylor will instantly slip into the flavour of "Mind Your Business", and the powerful, raspy-edged vocals hark back to the great 70s vocal groups such as The Persuaders. This is a really nice track and starts the album off on the right note.

"Back In The Day" may be a bit on the well-trodden path lyrically but I totally fall into line with the sentiments of the song and how it describes how music was better 'back in the day'. Totally concur, gents. Better still is "So Sexy" with a really nice deep bassline and synth that overlays it. Jeff Floyd is a good comparison to make on songs like this - especially his "Changing Time" set in mind. "She's Gone" is another great little number and not far removed from the material on the last studio album from Ray, Goodman and Brown. I also would like to draw your attention to the contemporary tapper "Going Thru Some Thangz" - I am especially enamoured by the vocal harmonies here - the chorus is really hook-driven and thus memorable. I find myself humming this section. How many modern tunes make you do that?! Exactly! Not many! A very warm and inviting album, this, and one that may be overlooked. And that would be very unfortunate indeed. check it out.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

John Blackwell Project - 4ever Jia - 2010 - JBP

2010-04-13T17:07:00.004+01:00

YES! This is a great, great little number that contains many a choon worthy of your attention. It's NOT a bland smooth jazz set; it has plenty of backbone, teeth, raw energy and FUNK. Soulfulness is also to be found on this CD, and this is thanks to the wonderful Charlie Singleton of Cameo fame who contributes a song that has instantly become my current favourite song! That song is called, very aptly in my opinion, "Amazing" and features our hero on lead vocals, as well as the rest of the John Blackwell Project combo which is John Blackwell on drums, Will Lee on bass, Corey Bernhard on keyboards and Paul Pesco on guitars. A superb multi-talented array if ever I saw or heard one! "Amazing" hits us with all the dynamism of an early-mid 1980s Cameo number but totally fresh and contemporary with a superbly crafted production. I am so happy that songs of this caliber are still being laid down in a studio this day and age. The strength of this song alone renders the set essential. Fans of strong bass guitar a la Will Lee and soulful funk a la Cameo will die for this!

The jazzy numbers also sparkle (no Cameo pun intended, but the word is spot-on!) and I strongly recommend "Jeremiah's Sleepy Night" - great flute work and a strong melody that outstrips and towers over much of what we laughingly call Jazz in the US today. The delectable vocalist Lizzy Loeb (any relation to Chuck?) adds a delicate yet powerful vocal to "No Ordinary Day" - this is of a high standard and the likes of Marilyn Scott would do well on this type of material. The gorgeous backing harmonies too send chills down my spine. This is a truly great work. Jazz heads check ot the drum-led "Mind Of J". I really like the flow of this song - it's clever in that it rolls along but dramatically pauses for effect now and again. The key work is as good as anything I have heard from, say Ramsey Lewis or Joe McBride. Charlie Singleton slays us yet again with the KILLER "You're The One". Do I detect a slice of Autotune in there though? Even the Whispers have dabbled in that, but trust me this is no whining, warbly pin-up R'n'B juvenile effort. This is REAL. Superb!

The mellow - and gorgeously performed "Sexual Harassment" takes me right back to the days of Lee Ritenour's "Captain Fingers" or even some of Lenny Whit'e work with Twennynine. The sultry, tropical "Jada" is going to win over many a fan. There is a spine-tingling drunken guitar on here - something I cannot get enough of and Sue Quin's vocals are simply out of this world. This groove would not be out of place on a latter-day Leon Ware or Jon Lucien set - think "A Kiss In The Sand" or "A Time For Love" albums and you're not far wrong. On percussion we have Luis Conte too, and his eminence shines through. I cannot get enough of this album or songs such as these. An (almost) Jap Jazz approach can be found on "Jaiven" and "You Asked For It", and fans of groups such as the AB's, the Coconuts Crew or even Lenny White in his "Streamline" era will dig this kind of number. Oh, I cannot recommend this album enough...soul...jazz...and a bag of chips!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe