Various Artists - Shades Of A Woman - 2008 - 4847 Records

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

Joyce, Nana Vasconcelos, Mauricio Maestro - Visions Of Dawn - 2008 - Far Out

Far Out, yet again, set out a stall of wonderful Brazilian nuggets and this time what's on offer is very, very special indeed. "Visions Of Dawn" is the original 'lost' Brazillian album recorded in Paris in 1976. This set was rescued and meticulously remastered by Far Out's very own Joe Davis. I am a big fan of Joyce Silviera. She has a gorgeously expressive and rich voice, and she also strums a darn good acoustic guitar to boot. Joining Joyce on this set are 2 giants of the Brazilian music scene. Nana Vasconcelos is a talented percussionist and the multi-talented Mauricio Maestro not only produced this set, but contributed electric bass, vocals and guitar. The album, I have to say is quite psychedelic in places and I can imagine fitted in well with the somewhat bohemian artistic scene in the mid 1970s. The cover artwork, courtesy of Andy Votel manages to encapsulate the warmth of the Brazilian vibes, as well as allowing a level of psychedelia to sneak in too. Very nice.

This album is like nothing you have ever heard. I LOVE it, and been playing it a lot - makes the jolly old ironing seem much less of a chore, that much I can tell you! LOL. The opening song definitely does NOT slip you up! "Banana" is a track that would have been a real sought-after gem on the jazz scene in the 80s and 90s had it already have been released and long-since deleted. Gilles Peterson's excellent show would have latched on to this a long time ago. So Brazilian it hurts, this is Joyce at her very best. Fans of Toco, Azymuth, Jorge Ben, Arthur Verocai or Marcos Valle will love this. Talking of Toco, fans of his wonderful "Outro Lugar" CD for Schema Records will adore the duet "Metralhadeira" - a track that would not be out of place on that album - even though there are 33 years separating them! "Nacional Kid" is another short but sweet affair, plenty of guitar and timbales showcasing Joyce's beautifully pitched and matched vocals. Simply stunning as a piece of music and as a vocal performance. I can easily imagine relaxing on Ipanema Beach (in fact, I'd probably need placing on a leash!) when I hear "Tudo Bonito". So goes the album. The suite "Memorias Do Porvir / Visões Do Amanhecer", "Carnavalzinho" are simply wonderful...the brooding and melancholic giving way to the sheer carnival flavours and then into the superb "Jardim Dos Deuses". This is a real must-have for fans of Brazilian music. A real gem.

The Vibe Scribe

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Matt Cusson - Matt Cusson - 2008 - Cuesound Records

Matt Cusson is an artist that immediately won me over with his sublime, unique blend of warm soul with plenty of jazz thrown in for good measure. The album is NOT what I expected, in that it would be a street-orientated set. It's true to say that it's thoughtful, reflective and his vocal styling and phrasing reminds me of a more gentle and laid back Tim Miner. Matt is no soulful growler, and his slight, quavery voice almost impresses the soothing tones of Jermaine Jackson in places. Add all this together and what this gives me is a really solid set of strong melodies and intelligent, adult lyrics. Matt knows how to craft a melody, let's get this straight. He understands what makes a track start and finish and pretty much is in control of all that takes place in-between. He also gives me extra warmth in listening with his use of haunting backing harmonies which would even make the likes of Claude McKnight and Take 6 sit up and take notice.

This CD is one for relaxing and listening to. The soulful, swishing opening song is gentle, playing on the jazzy piano and beautifully smooth vocal chops that Matt has. This is a truly delicious song and one which I have gained a lot of pleasure from. Brian McKnight would appreciate this kind of groove, and when the trombone falls into the mix, it is pure JOY. Jazzier still is the deeply emotional and tender "comfortable". This is very introspective - if a song can be - and the melancholy is not lost on me; the lush piano wafts dreamily by and it's when the haunting backing harmonies come in that the song goes from the atmosphere into outer space. Tracks like this really are in a class of their own. The album benefits, too, from the vocal talents of both Shoshana Bean and Javier. You will recall Shoshana Bean and her brilliant "Never Alone" from 2004, and her duet on "Could" is really tasty. Again, Tim Miner's work with Brian McKnight on Motown springs to mind. Quality stuff. Jervier appears on the SUPERB "Same Old Song", which features a wonderful blend of piano, acoustic guitar and a soulful backing rhythm. One track that really did reach out and grab me by the lug'oles was "Heaven". THIS IS WHAT WE WANT!!!!! Soulful, jazzy and totally classy. Sheer brilliance. As far as I am concerned, this is a classy, classy CD. It's a sublime oasis amongst a sea of urban noise and I cannot commend it to you enough. SUPERB.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Nicki Richards - Nicki

This follow-up release has taken an amazing 18 years to materialise. Isn't that terrifying?! Buying “Naked (To The World)” back in the spring of 1991 seems but yesterday. Well, in this time Nicki has grown, developed and come back at us with a very impressive set which has been lavishly produced, recorded and performed. Nicki is even more stunningly beautiful than before and her vocal maturity is amazing. This set is very much what Nicki wants to do and she has the best of company in doing so too. The album is co-produced by legendary drummer, Lenny White, and features the guitar skills of Marcus Miller, Will Lee on Bass as well as Victor Bailey, Joe Sample on piano, JK's Dinky Bingham on organ and backing vocals from Lisa Fischer, Cindy Mizelle, John James and Chris Williams! Oh yes, AND the Tower Of Power Horns! Blimey, what a line up! LOL. What of the music though? Well, Lenny White has added a harder edge and his drumming skills crash through in a strident and forthright fashion, allowing the likes of Marcus Miller to simply shine. The album will appeal to many people and the style is very mature, adult and is definitely NOT for your 15 year old “R&B” fan!
The opening song is possibly the most radio friendly, that being “Let's Dance”, a ditty which is written by Nicki along with Dinky Binghasm and Joel “JK” Kipnis. Don't fret about the rap at the start by 'LAW', this doesn't feature much so begs the question what was the point? Still, the groove is funky and would not be out of place on a Family Stand album. There's a serious groove here, and woe betide any Ne-Yo fans who cross it's path! The following cut, “Why You Wanna Hurt Me So Bad?”, is another tasty effort – the music here is programmed by Nicki herself, but the style more akin to what she was doing back on Atlantic in '91. Excellent stuff! Fans of TOP will revel in the blinding funk groove of “Check Yourself”. The horns sound as good as ever and Nicki has a whale of a time! I have to pick out “Bring The Love” for being different – this is something that we could have heard in the early 90s and the groove is reminisce of what Randy Muller was doing with Skyy and Robyn Springer. I could even include CeCe Peniston too, actually. Think “Crazy Love” or “Keep On Walking”. Good, eh? For me, though, the scene-stealer is the beautiful, beautiful “Parallel Universe” which reminds me slightly of Janita's “I Only Want You”. This is haunting and gorgeous in the extreme. What a great track and worth the price of the CD alone! Lenny White, Joe Sample and Marcus Miller sound great. The seductive and sexy “In Bed” follows but is woefully short, but is made up by the lovely “Say The Words”, complete with acoustic guitar and birdsong. “Alpha Centauri” is an odd, astronomical, title but fans of Lalah Hathaway's recent work will love this. So, a welcome return and an essential purchase.

Barry Towler

Ariana Jane - Imagination Of Love

January 2009 sees a brand new talent in our midst backed by an all-time favourite of ours! Firstly, the new talent: Ariana Jane is an exciting new vocal Jazz artist with leanings towards the Great Songstresses of the past, with a voice ripped with soul, pain, anguish and hope, Her voice is textured and multi-dimensional and so, so refreshing. The all time-favourite of ours is a writer, musician, arranger and producer of MONSTER proportions who is no less than Chapter 8 supremo, Michael J Powell! So, fans of this man and dexterous, vocal Jazz will be happy with “Imagination Of Love”. You may need to play the CD a few times before it hits you – mainly because what you expect from Michael may not be so outright jazzy, but his great hand easily wins out and the music itself, provided by the Detroit Katz – Mike Mindinghall, Steve Hoell, Marlon Bebop Crawford, Randy Scott, Deshawn Jones, Quinten Dennard and Darrell Campbell. All very, very able and skilled musicians and all worthy of a shout out! The CD is dedicated to Michael Lamar Powell – so obviously a sad loss has occurred here during the recording process, and love therefore goes out to all concerned. Imagination Of Love” is a subtle yet alluring title, offering the listener many possibilities and from that source what Michael and Ariana have worked to do is expose this miasma in only the way they can. With style. The album does not disappoint, but for me the real majesty starts reigning on “Mirage”. Sexy, slinky and drizzled with plenty of Sax and backing vocals, this song hits the spot both musically and lyrically. The crashing and vibrant “Friday Night In New York” paints a much better picture than most Hip Hop acts would prefer to show you and reminds you that it isn't the gun-toting, crack filled hole that rappers like to present. I wasn't banking on “Bad Girls” being a good track but it is – very strong. The Billie Holliday approach is most excellent and the band rise to the occasion. Moments like these allow Ariana's influences to shine through. You will, I am sure, love the smooth “Secret Island”...pure heaven and has Mr. Powell written all over it! You cannot beat real instruments! Let's check out “Haze Of Love” for more inspiration and simply soak up the sax and bass line. Lovely stuff. My final choice is the excellent “Touch Me” which fuses smoky, jazzy vocals with sultry soulful keys with an 80s foundation. A very nice mix indeed. Do not overlook.

Barry Towler

The Falcons - Good Good Feeling

The excellent Soul Junction Records have put together this must-have compilation of the music by the legendary Falcons; a comprehensive collection pieced lovingly together by David Welding and with sleeve notes written by the knowledgeable John Ridley the album is topped by being nicely presented. Lots of notes, photographs and information as well as 20 cracking tracks from the Big Wheel label out of Detroit. Sounds like a no-brainer to me, which is exactly what it is. Even more of a selling point is 7 unissued gems from Carlis “Sonny” Monroe and one modern re-cut from today's Falcons. There is lineage and pedigree to this outfit, boasting members such as Wilson Pickett and Eddie Floyd in their early days! This group certainly attracts quality! I love the music of the 60s equally as much as any other decade, and more so if the flavour of the Motor Town comes through strongly. And strong is exactly how it comes through. Take the ultra-rare single 1967 single, “I'm Tempted”, by Sandy Hollis, which featured the Falcons on backing vocals: this is serious, serious quality and has already won a place in my heart and has been spun many times since receiving this CD, as has her second inclusion “Tables Will Turn”.
A solid four to the floor beat pounds your brain on “Good Good Feeling” and will be loved by those who label this material as 'Northern'. I tend to shy away from that tag myself – it's recorded in the 60s and I either like it or I don't! Thankfully I love most of it! “Has It Happened To You Yet” is less intensive on the heavy beats stakes, but should still get the talcum powder kicking up clouds! I also highly recommend “I'm A Fool I Must Love You”, another track that exudes the virtues of 60s Detroit. Of the unissued material I cannot fault any single cut. From the brassy “You've Got The Power” - reminding me very much of a Detroit styled Impressions when the backing support kicks in, is superb, and so are Sonny Monro's solo '70s cuts for Epic. The gentle Disco flavour, strings and hi-hat aplenty of “Happiest Days Of My Life” stands up to scrutiny as does the Z.Z. Hill inspired “Why Do I Let You Do The Things You Do” which is excellent. The Ronnie McNeir-ish “Your Love Is Dy-No-Mite” is noteworthy too and so wraps up a classy, classy package on many levels.

Barry Towler

Ozone

An interesting choice for reissue from out friends, Vinyl Masterpiece. The set is well sought after for the sublime “Our Hearts Will Always Shine” - a track that was lifted for a recent UK compilation, and this has to be the champion track on this album. What a cracking song – the bass guitar, strings and keys and the simple, catchy nature make this an 80s classic. For me this track is but one of three choices on here. It's not the best album Motown put out but has my favourite composition on it. The CD is therefore worth it for this song and this song alone. The set itself is quite rocky, poppy and was a victim of Motown's policy at the time which was more akin to stumbling around hoping to get into the hit parade again. Michael Stokes is the main man producing this set, and his hand is very much felt at the helm. Hopefully the man, along with Missus, Linda Stokes will be producing new material very soon...
'Til then though I want to sing the praises of the other two gems on here. “I Can't Wait” has a real classy orientation and the strings are beautifully conducted and remind me of the style used by the Isley Brothers on their “Masterpiece” album, or by the Dazz Band on their “Keep It Live” album. The track, other than the strings has a gorgeous late 70s / early 80s Switch feel to it. This also comes seriously recommended. The upbeat “Here I Go Again” also gets a thumbs up from here. Typical of it's era, the rhodes and slap bass make me very warm inside. If only this sound was more prevalent today then I, for one, would be happier. From what I see, we're moving in the right direction! Until then though, bank on Vinyl Masterpiece to keep our needs met with quality 80s releases such as this. No longer is this LP a pricey collector's item!

Barry Towler

Masterpiece Vol. 7 - Various Artists

Vinyl Masterpiece are seriously dedicated to the 1980s, which is something I can really connect with too. With lots of new material being released in an 80s retro fashion, some of my old favourites – although, to me, timeless – are being breathed new life and sound totally fresh and today again! This series of compilations, then, really are worthwhile. Volume 7 is no let down and I was so happy when I saw classics such as “Touch Me (All Night Long)” by Wish, featuring Fonda Rae included, and Mtume's brilliant 1984 jam, “Prime Time”. Tracks such as the O'Jays “Love You Direct” were excellent examples of soulful 80s dance, and Frankie Rodriquez has edited and remixed this track to great effect. Michael Wycoff's “Tell Me Love” is here in it's full extended glory and so is the Whispers' “Tonight”from their 1983 LP, “Love For Love”. An excellent slice of Leon F. Sylvers at his best.
UK act Freeez appear with the excellent “Can't Keep My Love” with it's addictive bassline reminiscent to Colors' “L.O.S. (Love On Sight)”. Lee Prentiss' “Love This Way” is a new one on me, but I love it – it epitomizes the mid 80s club scene perfectly. Yes, what a great year 1986 was. Such a shame this sound was swept away by 'New Jack Swing'. How passé and dated that sounds now! Another cut I was hitherto unaware of was the brilliant Julius Brown and “Sho Nuff (Sure Look Good)” - produced by the superb Butch Ingram back in 1985 on the Society Hill imprint. The late Brandi Wells is also included with her excellent “Watch Out”. Fans of the Real Thing have “Street Corner Boogie” to add to their collection, and that should please a lot of people. I am grateful to the guys for the top class remastering of these tracks. Brilliantly done and faultless. If only all vinyl could be remastered this well!

Barry Towler

Total Contrast

This is a classy, classy album from UK act Total Contrast. Released in 1985 and produced by the super-talented Steve Harvey, I'm sure you'll agree that this is a great album and lovely for it to be reissues, again, on CD. This was a rare album to find on CD, but this is more worthwhile as it contains bonus tracks – remixes and singles which the original CD did not contain. The sound that Steve creates here is very American and paved the way to his living and working in the US in the late 80s. Not sure what the guys are doing now BUT this superb album is a testament to their talent. For me, every single track is worthy of praise. Mainly uptempo and bubbly, this is a powerfully uplifting, feel-good album and has been with me in my car on many a trip. “Hit And Run” still kicks backside, as does the thumping synthy “The River” - a track that sounds very much influenced by The System. It has shades, too, of Steve Harvey's very own “Tonight” single too – I wish someone would get that on a compilation!
The downtempo, string laden “Where Is Love” offers contrast but not as superior to the real KILLER on here which, for my moneys worth is “Sunshine”. Such a superb, summery track and one that has not aged a second. Totally brilliant and as good in 2009 as it was in 1985. Actually, this reminds me a lot of what Loose Ends were creating at the time. Now there's another quality UK group! “How many Reasons” is a strong midtempo cut, as is the single release, “Takes A Little Time”. This was given a really strong remix in the US and – yes – it's also contained on here. Simply marvellous. I prefer the dance remix of “What You Gonna Do About It” and that's here, as is the their great single from 1983 “Be With You Tonight”. This is a classy release – obviously taken from the source tapes and mastered properly, time and effort have been taken on this. Do not overlook this classy UK soul from 1985.

Barry Towler

Millie Scott - Love Me Right

This was a VERY collectible CD and has fetched tidy sums on ebay and the like, so it's great the PTG / Vinyl Masterpiece have done the decent thing and have reissued this album again on CD. It's a simple case of giving us what we really want. This classy 1987 album has always been a popular spin for me, and the uptempo cuts on here are the very peak of adult orientated soulful dance music in the 80s. Later that year Teddy Riley would sweep in with a harsher, brasher and less warm sound. Albums such as this were to dwindle and fade away. Until now, of course where the scales are beginning to tip. “Automatic” was a single and appears here in it's original album splendor as well as the extended 12” version which weighs in at six-and-a-half minutes. “Every Little Bit” always gets dug out in the Spring – reminds me of warm spring days, blue skies and colourful flowers! This song has such a lovely vibe; infectious and totally a song I cannot do without.
The ballad “Don't Take Your Love” still blows me away today – featuring Earl Klugh on guitar, the strings and atmosphere equals the classy work produced by her contemporaries, such as Regina Belle, Meli'sa Morgan, Peggi Blu and Vaneese Thomas. I really, truly, and genuinely miss this style of soul music and hope it makes a comeback. I've had more than a stomach full of this clomping urban stuff haven't you? Almost a clone of “Ev'ry Little Bit”, “Let's Talk It Over” does the business and so, too do the bonus tracks which are all the 12” mixes. “Ev'ry Little Bit”, “Automatic” and, for me, the lesser “Prisoner Of Love” is included here in full length remastered glory. Now you don't have to pay a king's ransom for a CD copy of this - easy to source and at a very reasonable price. What are you waiting for?

Barry Towler

Douyé - Journey

Another fresh, new name to introduce you to in 2009 – Douyé. Born in Nigeria, but now based in Los Angeles Douyé has a very distinctive voice and has a really strong British feel to it. She is sexy, sultry and her jazzy inclinations add a silky smoothness and more than a touch of smoke. The set is aa collaboration between Douyé and a certain gentleman called Terry Shaddick, who is a renowned pop songwriter and producer well known for – believe it or not - co-writing Olivia Newton John’s smash hit “Physical.”! Don't panic, though as there is nothing on here to match that! I can put this CD on and let it run it's course. In a lot of ways it flows and has many similarities with, say, the superb Kuh Ledisma set from a decade ago. I love sets that can be left on, and neither does it bore or fail to impress. This, again, shows us what can be achieved and produced if the artist is allowed to get on and do what they do best, that being making music and not following trends or jumping on bandwagons.
The CD starts off on the right note with the cool and sparse “Fly Away”, the chunkier and more-ish “On For You” with some brilliant drunken guitar in the mix which I personally love, and the blindingly good “In Love With You” complete with Philly type guitar and haunting synth will definitely have you won over. This is classy indeed. The guitar plays a big part of the very smoky and jazzy titled track, “Journey” - vocally we're almost into Miki Howard territory! Very tasty indeed, and this is how the flow takes you – a great contrast to the first few songs but the momentum and gravitas of the set draws you constantly forwards. Very tastefully executed. “Still Hurting” is strong, with vocal nods to Sade here, methinks. I heartily recommend “Walk Away” as well, the rhythm is warm and I can hear touches of Regina Belle in the more animated vocal parts too. The final cut, “The Voice”, is very MOR and may not appeal to many but listen to the style and how Douyé interacts here as a songwriter and singer. This is worthy of the likes of Diane Warren or Cynthia Weil. This Lady obviously has a very bright future and with Terry Shaddick an experienced hand on the tiller.

Barry Towler

Larry London Project - Lady

Let's bounce into the New Year – 2009, gosh! - with this lovely piece of 80s orientated dance floor action from the excellent Larry London Project. Fans of the previous work, and of the Cool Million set will find this track irresistible. It's not the most lyrically challenging number by any stretch of the imagination but that's not the point. It's intentionally upbeat, joyful and aims fair and square to lodge into the old grey matter. Repetitive it may be but that's the rub – you will not only love this but you'll be whistling this, singing along and feeling as if the recent festivities are still clinging on.
Let's face it – for us fellas anyway – Ladies are lovely (well, most are at any rate) and anything to celebrate and not berate is always worth a nod from me and this certainly gets a nod of approval. As we hit 2009 the musical arena is one that is a lot healthier than I had once feared. We seem to be getting back to basics and dispensing with a lot of the urban, heavy plodding street nonsense. In today's tunes we can hear the sounds of the 60s, 70s and 80s and hallelujah to that! Larry London gives us heaps of feel-good boogie tunes entrenched in an 80s groove and not complacent in that a modern '2 step' Togetherness feel bolsters and drives the beat forward. Let's all start 2009 on the good foot – get into this and celebrate “Lady”.

Barry Towler

Tammy Allen - From Me To You

This CD is BRILLIANT. If classy vocal jazz tinged with soul is your bag then Tammy Allen is just the Lady for you. This is a really sophisticated and classy album and if you are fans of jazzy Ladies such as Veronica Martell, Raye Jones, Liberty Silver, Me'Na and Elaine Elias then please add this lovely Lady to your collection. This Atlanta native cites many influences including George Duke and Nina Simone; both classy influences are they not?! The album is unashamedly lyrically mature and bursts with zeal, energy and fervour that almost verges into funk in places. Tammy always remains ultra-smooth and unhesitatingly soulful. Unafraid to face up to errant lovers or daily tribulations to the injustices in society, Tammy Allen begs your attention and believe me when she has it, boy does she have it! I would immediately insist you check out the sturdy, almost dark groove of “Don't Let Nobody Hold You Back” which features the shared vocal talents of James Powell, and very good he is too! The lyrics are positive and the groove reinforces the message. It is Tammy's confrontation with issues that strikes me, and her ability to make you think. They say there is a message in the music, and there certainly is here.
The raw and jazzy “Deal With It” is a real corker and grabs the politicians by the scruff of the neck and the discourse into the way of the world is stark yet powerful: “I gotta deal with it” states Tammy, evoking the ethos of “Let's Clean Up The Ghetto”. This is actually a very powerful song but also subtle. The more light-hearted “Glide” with its 70s flow will definitely evoke memories of George Duke's MPS output and the keys, wah-wah guitar and live drums kick real backsides! I loe this song to pieces and the backing vocals come in at just the right point, raising the game even more. Remarkable. I think one of the KILLER cuts for me – and you, I am sure – is “What Am I Gonna Do” which is a searing ballad shared with our dear friend, Alex Lattimore. There are songs that you hear, and have to immediately play again and again and again. So it was with this song. Love it! “Today's The Day” is extremely positive and the vibe is overflowing to suit the theme, but I am more buoyed by my second killer choon which is “I Am Free” - Tammy's vocals are joyously set free to soar here and musically we are in excellent territory. Fans of Nicolas Bearde – especially his last set – will love this. I was also knocked out by the third killer, “From Me To You”...play this over and over again and hear the beauty and professionalism. The first 30 seconds hit me with such force. This is grown folks music to die for! Same goes for “Live Forever” too. Oh yes, this is what we want! Unmissable.

Barry Towler

Brian McKnight - I'll Be Home For Christmas

I usually shy well away from 'holiday music' but have to say I do own the Christmas sets from Alexander O'Neal, Patti Labelle and the Isley Brothers! Well, I've ended up with yet another to my seasonal arsenal – Brian McKnight's “I'll Be Home For Christmas”. For me the album is essential for the opening song and that alone! “The Christmas Song” is a staple part of the festive musical diet – the O'Jays did a splendid version on their last set and Brian does a very Marvin Gaye-styled take here and really creates something very special indeed. You almost forget that this is a Christmas song! What quality and very much in line with the “Let's Get It On” sound. Superb. The warm strings accompany Brian's crooning on the traditional “Let It Snow” and is another very more-ish track. I love Dean Martin's version but this version with Brian's sons Brian McKnight Jr and Nikolas McKnight is excellent.
A new song which is good is “Christmas You And Me” - a wee bit twee BUT it is Christmas after all...and Vince Gill adds his guitar for a bit of effect too, and not at all bad. Brian's jazzier side swings in with the “Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” and the big band flavour is something that the great singer maybe should investigate a bit further. Certainly better than the clonking “R&B” drivel that he's been dabbling with of late anyway. My last favourite on here is the wonderfully atmospheric “Bless This House” featuring Take 6. I ADORE Take 6...their harmonies are spine-tingling and I simply cannot get enough of them. This song is not a cover version of the classic 70s Sid James TV show theme of the show of the same name (pity!!!), but a new composition. If haunting harmonies and seasonal lyrics are your bag then this is really for you. Nice to see Brian release new music more in keeping with his traditional style, and not trying to pander to the gangland generation! I look forward to the man making new music on Razor & Tie in the new year which is more to our mature, adult, soulful and jazzy taste.

Barry Towler

Liquid Spirits - Music

This is a CD I heard MONTHS ago, and my grubby little mitts have been eager to grab hold of a copy this. This CD is a real musical tour de force, and a really soulful step forward. I liken this CD in many ways to the equally essential Jazzanova CD. What two wonderfully crafted and timeless albums presented here, and both are a real must-have for Christmas. In fact, you will be savouring these CDs for MANY years to come. I cannot fault this album, and if you are a fan of the legendary Leon Ware then you should simply order a copy blind. It contains his best work for some time, and in conversation with the great man, discovered that he had actually written the “Melodies” composition a few days astride the events of 9/11. This song is simply mouth-watering. I cannot emphasise how wonderful it is. Leon is definitely a Master of romance and the warm, gentle and oh-so-lush real musical backing is sympathetic to his cause. A perfect recording, simply put. This ballad is a killer, and the uptempo material also causes a similar stirring of my passion. “Say It Isn't So” full of tight, real instrumentation is a real deal-clincher and I dare anyone not to hear this and break out in a big smile. Yes, this is the real deal folks. Don't soul music make you feel so darn good?!
“A Little More” is a real monster – haunting, warm and very summery. This is simply wonderful music. The track that is seriously powerful in a musical sense is “Closing Time”...the groove builds up in only a way someone with the stature of Dexter Wansel could normally pull off! Jazzy, powerful and totally beyond reproach, this cut really takes the biscuit. It builds up, slowly and surely into a really spectacular BIG effort full of soul and emotion. What a treat songs and albums like this are! That's not all. “Closing Time Duet” soon follows and totally floors you. When you think that the CD cannot get any better it does! Phonte, who you will recall from Jazzanova's set comes in on a rap tip with the KILLER mellow rap cut “If You Don't Love Me”. If only all rap couldn't be like this. Total quality guaranteed! The short and sweet “Stepney” will definitely be a winner for you; a tribute to the late genius, Charles Stepney, and one he would be oh so proud of. I can also heartily recommend the 70s inspired “Music” which almost has a Norman Connors or Herbie Hancock feeling – it really is that good! Melodee features on “No One”, and the breezy Sheree Brown type guitar bodes well. The Latin “Sacred State Of Mind” is a wonderful piece from the first moment, and I cannot find fault with “Higher Ground” or the fusion of “Heaven” either. Let's get down to brass tacks. This CD is ESSENTIAL. Along with Jazzanova is one of the cream albums of 2008. Miss this at your peril.

Barry Towler

Gregory Mirac G. Washington - Capitulation

Gregory may look similar to a certain R Kelly, but that's where the similarity ends! Not knocking dear old Bobby at all, but this gentleman has a much greater repertoire and range and seems to be able to turn his hands to anything, proven by this eclectic and varied album. “Capitulation” is an odd title for an album, and the cut itself explains the raison d'etre for this and the funky rhythm, funky horns and guitar are very well employed on this. This is good, if a step to the left, but my favourite track from this native of Minneapolis is the SUPERB “My Answer's No”. This is superb – the instrumentation is tight, spot on and as real as a snowball stuffed down your trousers! Like a cross between The Ohio Players and 90s act Front page, this is a real treat. “U Still Love Me” works well as a ballad and is almost from the same mould as Eric Benét's “Hurricane” CD.
“Creep'n Don't Pay” is a bit on the rocky side but not at all unpalatable for my taste, and t5he rock guitar is quite impressive – me liking that sort of thing as well, y'see!From this we shift gear and do a complete U-Turn for a really smart Sam Cooke type moment with “Nothing Can Change This Love”. The very rocky “Gonna Get It” is also very funky in an Undisputed Truth fashion, and almost has a Glam Rock 70s feel to it – a song that may not resonate with a lot of readers, but one that I am really comfy with. A more fitting track for these pages is “The Blues” which is almost Tony Toni Toné in style. Vocally Gregory is very much on form and there is almost a Prince feel to his performance. If you like something different with a bit of spice and variety then Gregory's your man!

Barry Towler

Towanna - And Still I Rise

A full-voiced Songstress in the Classic Soul tradition, Towanna releases this download song that bodes well for her future endeavours. There is, yet again, a 60s vibe here with the horns, Motown-ish drum rolls and plenty of melody. Socially conscious, the message of day to day struggle for many people is laid down without the need for posturing, swearing or undue candour. People tend to forget that some of the most socially conscious and political music in the world was Soul Music! Rap can forget it's assumed mantle of consciousness – Soul was here first and the tradition lives on in artists such as Towanna. What marks soul apart from rap is the positivity. That's what appeals to me. In the face of adversity Towanna is terrifically defiant: “And I Still Rise” she testifies. Good for you, girl, and all with a strong, soulful backing too. Well worth a download and a name to watch out for.

Barry Towler

Noel Gourdin - After My Time

No, this is not the same person who played the loveable Meg Mortimer in Crossroads! At least, if it is then she's certainly changed career path as well as sex! Lol. Anyway, joking aside, Noel is a name that we are all familiar with, and this new effort is one that should not disappoint, even if it is not as strong as a number of other releases about at the moment. Noel effortlessly straddles a classic sound along with a programmed Y2K flavour. The first song, “Better Man”, works very well in this respect, and adds more fuel to the soulful retro fire that currently burns. “Hurts Like Hell” compliments that song well but with its roots firmly into today's marketplace. “I Fell” panders more to a youthful R&B audience, but still manages to hold it's head up above the water, and to me does not even compare to tracks such as the Stevie Wonder early 70s inspired “Make The Most” - a timely cautionary song reminding us to love and appreciate those in our lives now. An excellent cut, and the following groove turns into something more akin to Jam & Lewis with “One Love”. The voice is, perhaps, too electronic and warbly but as a whole the track is good and is something I could imagine someone like Lionel Richie approaching.
As far as modern cuts go, I think the best for me is “Reach”. Quite a simple composition but in keeping with what's going down today. If that's too mechanical for your liking I suggest you head immediately to the excellent “Sorry” which has that tasty, if subtle, jazzy edge. The beats clonk away but is carried away excellently. I have to say that I love this track and the way Noel organises his vocals is very well done indeed. The sexually motivated “Summertime” is the sort of thing we'd expect on a major label album but the lyrics are far more intelligent than that. Musically not on par with some recent releases, but still worthwhile. I prefer the final cut, “Too Late”, which does the business very much indeed. This really is good, and reminds me of the better tracks off of Babyface's last decent release, “Face2Face”, back in 2001. Noel has a great voice and we all know he can cut the mustard. Fans will be very happy I am sure, but with such stiff competition I think the wise money will be on the likes of Little Anthony, Liquid Spirits and Jazzanova. However, don't overlook the set as it definitely has it's moments.

Barry Towler

Labelle

What a year of comebacks! As far as Labelle are concerned it's as if they have never been away. Among a raft of talents contributing to this set we have the legendary Gamble & Huff and rocker Lenny Kravitz. I expect, like me, that you expect Gamble & Huff's work to be far better that Lenny Kravitz don't you? I did, and I was proved wrong. His productions are far more soulful and more in tradition with what these fine Ladies were doing back in the early 70s, whereas bar the odd exception our Philly legends seem to have abandoned their Philly roots for a rockier stance – which is OK as this is a Labelle project. Pity, though. Taking the CD track by track please make your own mind up, but for me the rockier whipper-snapper trumps the established on this set, and I feel that you will agree. “Candlelight” has proved popular on Solar and Jazz FM and it's not hard to hear why. An irresistible 70s groove but still totally today. Like the Christmas song they're simply doin' it in the new old fashioned way!
“Superlover” is fantastic; musically this song falls stylistically between Marvin Gaye's “Let's Get It On” and the Commodores' “Easy”. Though it may fall in-between it still very much hits the mark and I consider it a really great song. The third Kravitz effort is the horn-drenched, hi-hat riding 70s groove, “System”. This is an amazing track and the bluesy guitar a la Johnny Guitar Watson style is just perfect for this song. Gamble & Huff deliver the rock-guitar “The Truth Shall Set You Free” and “How Long” and the guitar is almost Led Zeppelin in places! I happen to like this, but if you are expecting sweet string-filled lush Philly soul then forget it. Kenny Gamble comes close on “Without You In My Life” using some haunting vocal harmonies, and the piano-led song also features horns orchestrated by fellow legend, Dexter Wansel. My trump Gamble & Huff moment is the chugging and sturdy “Tears For The World”; more traditional is this but I get the feeling that the guys have started losing their own unique style which is a pity. As a whole, it's a welcome release and contains more than enough surprises to warrant a purchase.

Barry Towler

J-Funk - Breakthru

The strong heavy hitting albums are still coming at us, even this close to Christmas. J Funk (aka Justin Stephenson) is a totally fresh, new artist and brings to us a solid sense of authority and grandeur that belies his youth and relative immediacy onto the scene. J Funk understands that songs need to be driven by a melody and he not only knows this, but also understands about many more complex characteristics which owe more to the 1980s than today's clonking, heavy-beat driven R&B market. This soul stew has many musical ingredients and although very much his own man we know that there is a healthy respect and emulation towards the past (but still musically present) greats. I have to say that I for one am impressed. Looking a bit like Robbie Williams on the front cover, I was not totally prepared for the soulfulness that struck the ears with “Close”, complete with real instruments and a strong melody. With my ears well and truly pricked I was eager to launch into “'Cause Suddenly”, a heavier, more programmed effort but still very much in the quality soul bag; a great contrast too, and the slap bass filled “Playin'” sandwiches this stepper very nicely. By now I have to say i am hooked by the CD I love surprise releases like this, and also love CDs like this that we can put on and leave on. Don't touch that remote control! Oh, the warm Rhodes keyboards of the title song, “Breakthru” are great enough but his soulful vocals really merge well with this and for my money is a cream track amongst many classy numbers. Fans of a steppers groove and an 80s flavour to boot will, like me, thoroughly enjoy “For Our Night”, complete with dreamy Lonnie Liston Smith type keys, this is really the dogs dangly bits. I really love the melody that J-Funk uses on “Give It To Ya”. The piano, complete with echo and timbales is a prelude to a programmed beat, but as I said earlier, the soul and feeling – that most important ingredient – is not at all lost. I immediately hear the more than strong influence by Kem's “Find My Way” on “Believe It”. Like that song and you'll also like this. The jazzier, stripped down piano led “Hold U” relaxes the pace a lot and eases in to the final cut, a live (and very fresh) version of “Closer”. This is great soul music – and out of Europe yet again. America is really getting left behind isn't it? When the quality and quality is like this then who cares? They can keep their Jay-Z and all the rest of the rag-tag and bobtail. I'll keep with the real stuff, thanks.

Barry Towler