The Whispers - For Your Ears Only - 2006 - Satin Tie Productions

The Whispers first release in over 8 years and one of their STRONGEST album ever! They guys look great and they sound as fresh and vibrant as ever. This time their release is on their terms on their own label, and support has come from a whole plethora of quality artists all helping make this one special album indeed. The sound is definitely major label quality: If you adore these gents then you will not be disappointed with this CD. The opening song launches into a fantastic slice of late 70s sounding jazz-fusion a la Gino Vanelli, filtering into a real quality stepper paying homage to those "old skool" artists such as Marvin Gaye, Rick James and Ray Charles. This is handled in the same way that my good friend, Will Wheaton did on his fabulous "old School Soul" track. This is feel-good soul at its best. From this gem we find another jaw-dropper in the form of "Don’t Say No".which really has a root in their classic Solar ballads, edged with their earlier 70s Janus vibe, but what really takes this into orbit is the FANTASTIC jazzy skit that erupts unexpectedly as it does with Captain Sky’s gorgeous version of "Natural High". This song rates as one of the best records the Whispers have EVER recorded.

Teena Marie supplies "Butta", and the cool, slinky groove is very today but Walter and Scotty's harmonies really are straight out of their Solar days. Their take on Major Harris’ 1975 Classic "Love Won’t Let Me Wait", with the help of Robert Brookins have really taken the song, shaken it to its roots and rebuilt it from scratch into a new beast which has The Whispers stamped all over it. "Love Strokin’" really is a super-sexy effort – again another contender for one of their best ever songs. Nicholas Caldwell's writing and production fires on all cylinders with this! The Philly vibe pops up again courtesy of the Ron Wilson and Ronnie Bell tune, "Hold On", and the brothers croon to their hearts content, backed by the unique vocal harmony that we have always known and loved. This continues into "Livin’ It Up" which has that haunting synth supporting the sitar and guitar. The haunting Nicholas Caldwell penned and produced "Love" is superb. Ali-Ollie Woodson's penned "Can I Get Next To You" is equally superb. "Its You" with its sexy sax, keys and late 80s sense of propriety delivers big time, and its gentleness is not only refreshing but indeed welcome in an age when everybody tends to be too reliant on heavy basslines. It's not until track 12 that we hit the title cut – again this is an essential track with a neat rhythm guitar, keys and sashaying groove. I could never have dreamt of such a fantastic comeback.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

David Sea - Love Makes the World Go Round - 2006 - Park Place

David Sea is, for my money, one of the best 'traditional' voices on the scene today and I feel that this is his best work since “Born To Sing”. In fact I would say this was the stronger of the two. The album appears to be split between the more modern stepping sound on the one hand, and a traditional Malaco sound on the other. It has pleasant echoes of Ali-Ollie Woodson's superb “Right Here All Along”; indeed the inclusion of “Turn Out The Stars” is as good as Ali's version. With performances like this it is a real pity that stature alone kept him out of the hallowed ranks of The Temptations. My favourites seem to huddle together at the start of the album. What better than the EXCELLENT slow-mid paced “One Love” to kick off the album; a sexy loping beat and performance that David Ruffin would be proud of. This is the sort of track that begs to be played over and over again. My favourite is the essential stepping groove which is the title track, “Love Makes The World Go Round”. Fans of R Kelly's “Step In The Name Of Love” will lap this morsel up big time. The chorus is very familiar too in that it is very similar to that of Candi Staton's “Young Hearts Run Free”. Do not skip this track as it is is pure modern soul heaven and worth the price of admission alone purely for this.

“Stay In My Arms” is another winner, though it did take a few plays to accept it at all. The whole song uses the backing music to one of my all-time favourite grooves – that being Johnnie Taylor's “let's Get Back On Track”. I was initially thrown by this and not really impressed, but I tend to think of this as a completely different and separate song now. I have already mentioned “Turn Out The Stars” as being worthwhile, and a cover version that really knocked me for six was his version of the Shirelles' 1961 hit “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” in which David really tears it up, pours out his raw soul and makes it his own. Way to go, David! I can't usually stand cover versions, but if they are to be done then this is how to do it! Another worthwhile cover is “Hook Up At The Heart” which can be found on Preston Glass' “Street Corner Prophecy” album. All in all a very solid, if familiar sounding, album. One to please fans old and new. I would not overlook this album as it is definitely a must-have soul album.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Kokoh - Meltdown - 2006 - Kokoh

Join together Kokoh's beautiful voice and Leon Ware's sexy, sensuous productions and we get “Meltdown”. Aptly titled, too, as the material on here is so hot that it threatens to burn the CD player! The first 7 songs are Leon Ware penned and produced songs, and all are essential. We are already familiar with “How Far Can We Go”, thanks to Andreas Hellingh who shrewdly picked up on this gem back in 2005 for his “Soul Exposed” compilation. Kokoh, although a classically trained Ballerina (which excited my little girl!) can certainly turn her abundant talents to other areas. Singing is definitely one of these areas! Her sexy vocal talents are a perfect match for Leon's sublime arrangements. “For The Tender” opens the CD up and should, within a few seconds, have you totally captivated. Such a beautiful song... expertly produced and tenderly and soulfully sung. Outstanding modern soul. “How Far Can We Go” is a an exercise in sheer sexual delight – and why not! This horny groove still reaches the parts 99% of other “R&B” artists cannot even hope to reach!

“I Get Weak” is a faithful reading of the Great Man's own song from his 1995 album, “Taste The Love”. I admit to preferring the original version, and I can say the same about the title song, too. However these are new versions and are made in the Kokoh mould so are worthy in their own right. The song that floored me, however was “Speechless”. This is a seriously sexy piece of work and I feel the groove right where it needs to be felt. This is an outstanding track. “That Takes Me To Heaven” is CLASSIC Leon Ware. The man contributes to backing vocals, and every note, every nuance of the song oozes class. It would not be trite to say the song is heavenly and well above the bar. “Too Close To The Fire” is yet another soulful, seductive and sexy number that tastefully and playfully deals with the issue of strong attraction. The final two track, however, are not Leon Ware productions and do not hold a candle to Mr. Ware's productions. This album is deeply soulful and fans of real soul music and Leon Ware in particular must own a copy of this album.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Marti Pellow - Moonlight Over Memphis - 2006 - Demon

No, I am not joking, this is Marti Pellow of Wet Wet Wet fame!!! Please do not overlook this SUPERB, soulful 2006 album as it contains one of my top tunes of 2006!!! Marti, again, hooked up with Willie Mitchell to create an album that any lover of Memphis soul would love.. Marti believes that this album is his most personal musical statement to date and that there have been NO compromises. Indeed Willie himself has said that as a boy Marti was a good singer but as a man his is a great singer. I certainly agree with this testament 100%. Marti makes a fantastic soul singer in the traditional blue-eyed mode, and joins other so-called pop artists Peter Cox and Will Young in an elite little group who get a lot of respect from me. I guess that if you loved the last three Blue Note albums that Al Green has made then you will love this also. The opening track is very strong indeed and I can easily see this merrily spinning around on my turntable with a Hi or Waylo label facing up. Marti’s vocals are dynamic, soulful, passionate and often intense. I can ask for nothing more than this. I think that this rates as one of the man’s best works. All the music, incidentally, is REAL and not synthesised.

Strings, horns and organ encapsulate the gentle and tender "Can’t Stop Loving You". I like this, although it does contain a modicum of cheese! I was NOT expecting the SUPERB ballad "It’s All About". Wow, what a stunner this is!!!! The opening 40 seconds killed me completely. Musically, this owes more to classic Philly a la Patti LaBelle / Dexter Wansel & Cynthia Biggs than Memphis. It's been over 2 years since I bought this CD and the track is played as often as any new favourite. The beautiful strings and dreamy piano that lull us into the track are added to by some delicious French horns and full strings and grand piano. Vocally Marti is atop the melody with a rare grace and smoothness. The chorus is BIG and DRAMATIC and very much would have been a big crossover hit in the days before most record buyers had been lobotomised. Showing us great flexibility, Marti inflects a Jazzy flavour in the luxurious "Our Love". Willie’s expertise is apparent on the excellent swayer ""And I Feel" and "How Much Love", "I Don’t Know Why" and "Searching For You" could easily be handled by Al Green, David Hudson or Syl Johnson. Many will be surprised how a white guy from the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow can easily be at home along the banks of the Mississippi. Yet he does. Please do not overlook this album - Amazon have it filthy cheap! Criminal really, considering the quality here.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Al 'Coffee' McDaniel - A Shoe Is A Shoe - 2006 - CPA Records

I was introduced to this CD a little while ago, and I really think that it should be highlighted here on these pages on Soulchoonz. This CD was released in 2006 and is still available via CD Baby. It's a 2 CD set, disc one being a straight Blues CD, and disc 2 being a super soulful collection. I definitely know which disc I love! Lol. Al 'Coffee' McDaniel is a strong, deep vocalist and reminds me a little of a mix of Will Wheaton and Teddy Pendergrass. Al is also, as you will gather from the CD cover, an accomplished guitarist and so he blends brilliant vocals with accomplished musicianship. His talents have led him to work alongside luminaries such as Billy Paul, Gene Chandler, Denise LaSalle and Joe Simon. All legends in their own right, and this speaks highly of Al's abilities. One listen to these soulful, essential, cuts and you'll soon be ordering or downloading this album!

Should you want to get a feel for my first choice, which is track 8 on the CD. "They Don't Know" harks back to the recent Father's Children album and their "Something I Want To Say To You" track. Love that and you'll love this! And love it you most certainly will. The guitar in this is really something else and the groove simply stops you dead. I'd, personally, buy this CD for this track alone. Simply mouthwatering Y2K Gospel. "Sorry Is Not Enough" comes at you with a Ron Isley vocal approach and a Will Wheaton roughness, shuffling, shimmying beats and summery guitar. Love it! A strong sax opener on "Nice 'N Slow" does no harm at all, and this easy jazzy and funky offering does not disappoint. I am sure that you will especially approve of the tapping groove of "The Love Of A Woman" and the quality 2-step groove of "Very Special Lady", complete with Isleys styled guitar and sun-drenched sax. Another real winner is the Isaac Hayes styled vocal of "I Cry On The Inside". Plenty of female vocals add a sexy edge and the Spanish guitar works great too. Haunting synth and cool piano are the order of the day for the haunting "What I See In You", which delves into a great groove, tinkling ivories and moogy bass. This a a real monster and so ask that you don't overlook this cut. I am very grateful for being made aware of this. How many other gems have slipped under the net over the years?!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Gary King - Songs From The Black Book - 2006 - Hear Me Sing Records

I have only become aware of this remarkable and refreshing album from Gary King. Released in 2006, this artist draws together a really heady mix of styles that have been the foundation and tapestry of his life, and packed them together in one smart bundle of soulful and jazzy sounds which possess various different undercurrents and accents. Vocally I am reminded of singers such as Tuomo or Remy Shand, and musically the mix is very much packed with real instruments and lush, intricate sounds that offer the listener a really fresh, different and alternative sound to what the mainstream are forcing upon us. Not beating about the bush, I rate this album as excellent and a very essential item. Gary King does not fail me on any track, and I just know that one listen to his songs on CD Baby and you will be adding the CD into your cart.

An acoustic guitar gently strums with a warm flow and reminds me of vintage Jon Lucien. Then the warm Fender Rhodes dreamily appear and Gary's soulful vocals make the set complete. This excellent track is followed by others of equal measure and stature; "Missing U 2 Long" will teach a few more established names a few lessons, and the likes of Maxwell would do well noting this kind of style. Gary uses an electric bass to spine-tingling effect here and really and truly gives the song a real edge. An early 70s sounding "Victim Of Ur Love" will appeal to the more soulful leanings of, say, Van Hunt and the well-crafted and spine-tinglingly delivered "All The Love In The World" should, if you possess any soul at all, floor you completely. You should also gravitate towards the horn-filled 70s number "Crayons". Songs like this are a complete breath of fresh air, and like other massive - yet criminally undervalued - artists Gary is not afraid to take songwriting and lyrics 'out of the box' into more interesting and less contrived territory. This is a very rare and special talent. We all love boy / girl love songs, don't we BUT Gary takes these concepts and uses abstract ideas to give them a new perspective. Sheer genius. The slow smoky jazz of "Lady Love" is simply awesome, and the arrangement would be one to make Will Downing proud. He almost has a flavour of Donny Hathaway here...it makes me shiver I can tell you. I implore you to check out this CD as it really is a gem of an album.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Aysha - Love Is A Rock - 2006 - KLW Records

A very toothsome album which grows and grows on each play. Aysha has a jazzy angle and the music is in the soulful end of the jazz market, both factors scoring good points with me. This could be a new Isabelle Antena album but with less jazz and more soul. I also detects some deliberateness in the vocals, in a similar way that Regina Belle stresses some words, nuances, and this works well. This 10 tracker can be picked up on iTunes Plus or on good old CD Baby in both hard copy and high quality digital download. Although this is her debut album, Aysha has performed with many of the greats - the most enviable being Roger Troutman and Zapp! What a show that must have been! Years on, Aysha describes her sound as "Adult Urban Contemporary". Whatever it is, it's a style I know that you will appreciate. There are, for me, nine strong cuts on here and all worth a mention.

An obvious no-brainer is the opening effort, "Honey", a synthy effort with jazzy leanings and sexy, sultry vocals a la Isabelle Antena - try it, you'll love it! The sax-driven "Is This Just A Dream" commands respect as does the 80s sounding ballad "Don't Make Me Say Goodbye" - I think this has class and is one of those subtle, yet sneakily dangerous track. Miss this at your peril! I consider this to be the créme de créme. I was even impressed with the cover version of the Sam Dees' penned, Atlantic Starr recorded "Send For Me" which is arranged here by Norman Connors' associate Donald Tavié. OK, nothing can beat the Gerald Alston cover as far as I am concerned, but this is a cracking good show nevertheless. The ballad "Just Can't Let You Go" does the job, but I feel "More Than Any Words" wins over it, reminding me of the quality ballads from the last Meli'sa Morgan album - think "Let You Go" and Bob's yer uncle! An upbeat, saxy end to the show with the Sade-inspired "Kiss Of Life" has me thinking that this would make a good single choice. Whatever the case, "Love Is A Rock" is, joking aside, a solid effort and should add some brightness to your dark and dingy winder days.

Barry Towler,
The Vibe Scribe.

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