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

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

Darnell Kendricks - Strawberry Lemonade - 2004

Darnell Kendricks is a quality artist - those of you that have supported his latest album, "Smooth Soul Café" won't argue with that statement, and on the strength of this I have re-visited his previous debut album from 2004, "Strawberry Lemonade". This is another album that I would rate as a 'no risk disc'. I am all for strong albums be they new or past, and the nature of our music often allows something from the distant past to remain as fresh as a contemporary release. This may as well be a new release and will delight you in equal amounts to his latest set. The track listing, be warned, is not the same as on the CD artwork - so beware! Instead of "Can't Wait" we have "Willing". This opens the album on an extremely firm footing and is strong enough to recommend a purchase on this track alone. The summery, laid back vibe of "Good Love" is lovely - the guitar line and synths remind me of classier independent efforts from the mid-late 1980s - the Macola sound from Los Angeles maybe, or something of that similar flavour.

The twinkling and anticipatory "Jones In My Bones" picks up the pace and what I like about this stepping groove is the thoughtful, jazzy piano. You'll like this! Fans of early 80s keyboards will immediately pick up on "Can't Wait", with heaps of organ and snapping finger beats the song is giddy with glee and I warmed straight away to the vocal arrangement which remind me, again, of Tim Miner and Brian McKnight. The jazzy title track widens the album up completely - nothing unexpected with a singer of Darnell's calibre - and helps create a refreshing oasis between this and many other more pedestrian albums on the market. Fans of 80s slap bass need look no further than "Truly Yours" - the slight Marvin-esque vocal play is lovely and as such make this one of THE standout cuts. The final song, "A Soft Answer" perfectly draws the set to a close and allows a jazzier, subtle vocal harmonic to set the scene here. The warbling guitar is something we would have been used to in the late 1980s, and the lilting, jazzy piano also adds extra intrigue. Darnell Kendricks, on this and his later release has set out his stall and marked his territory. No lightweight and no fly-by-night. Keep your eye on this gentleman. He's the real deal. Still available from CD Baby.

Barry Towler

The Vibe Scribe

Trina Broussard - Same Girl - 2004 - Motown

I hope that you are the lucky owner of Trina's "Inside My Love" album, the 1999 set which was released by Expansion recently. That set was brilliant, and a very solid effort. This 2004 release was not up to that standard, but I openly made a comment about this CD being the last decent release on Motown. I beliebve I was right. How many quality releases has Motown released since? Kem's "Kem II" and Stevie's "A Time To Love". CRIMINAL. This set, for this label was a dying breed. For me, there are 5 gems to be had and it is thanks again to our heroes Steve Harvey, Van Hunt, Jamey Jaz, Rahsaan Patterson and some chappy who calls himself Commissioner Gordon (!) that we owe that debt of thanks.

The opening song owes more to the 90s style of Steve Harvey more than his organic approach, but is a superb opening cut that treads the current R&B midtempo path very well indeed without going anywhere near thje sort of kids' RnB tat of 2009. The following gem, too is just beautiful and I was instantly reminded of the flow of "Talk To Her" from India Arie's "Voyage To India". I really do appreciate this folky, acoustic soul feel and this style works very well with Trina's gentle, if oftentimes uninspiring vocals. My favourite moment is the ESSENTIAL "Dreamin' Of One" which beautifully unfolds from the flute into a summery floater of immense magnitude. Thanks to Steve Harvey for the inspired production and Rahsaan Patterson and Van Hunt for the writing. I LOVE the Stevie Wonder inspired "Will Things Ever Be The Same" which has traces of Stevie's "Songs In The Key Of Life"album. The superb 70s tapper, "Lies" is really gripping and has in irresistible bassline that works well, and not dissimilar from Erykah Badu's "Didn't Cha Know". Just sung better!!!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Daniel Austin - Confidence In You - 2004 - Soul Space

2004 heralded this gem of a CD. Daniel Austin has a smooth, gentle, yet reassuringly sturdy approach - enough to handle the more club orientated material on here. I love my bedroom smoochers, but for me it is on this type of groove which Daniel especially excels. "Let Me In" is an instant winner and those who have approved of my recent Y2K reviews of Val Watson and the Bar-Kays will seriously like this song. Do not be put off by the rather passé turntable scratches on the outset - this leads us into the most tasty of steppers that takes us way back to the days when you did not have to take drugs to appreciate anything that is supposed to be dance music! "Something About You" will have the old toes tapping and the sound will remind you of the better dance tracks such as "Magic'" from Sean Oliver which I have covered on our 1990s pages. This is another soulful groover that will not disappoint. Those of you who have a liking for the Atlanta Artists sounds of Larry Blackmon and Cameo will connect with the rumbling Funk of the title song. I head straight back to 1986 with this song and I hear elements of Cashflow's "Mine All Mine" and Barbara Mitchell's "High On Love" within this track. I love this to bits and have it in heavy rotation at home and in the car.

As far as ballads are concerned, "Islands" with its jazzy saxophone courtesy of Henry Alexander is top-drawer indeed. Subtle, warm and summery this would not be out of place on an early 90s Najee / Vincent Henry album. Definitely up my street is the gorgeous "Dreamer" which is infused with some funky slap bass and stabbing piano and would appeal more to lovers of quality late 80s jazzy soul material. "Fire And Ice" rates highly in my book also, and its racier, expansive feel is fresh with a jazzy streak. I could hear this track on a Bob Baldwin album or someone of that vein. In fact, I would say that Daniel has a shade of Porter Carroll Jr in his voice, as displayed in this song. "Haven't You Heard" is an 80s stepper that owes more to Prince than anything else, and isn't a bad track to boot. This CD is very well crafted and exceeds many independent sets of the day. Worth checking out.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

The Temptations - Legacy - 2004 - Motown

“Legacy” was the Temps' 60^th album release and were joined by Motown veteran G.C. Cameron, and Joe Herndon. This CD has its seriously killer moments and is essential listening. The dancers are SUPERB and Steve Harvey takes the limelight with his specific inclusions. The real nostalgia is there in the opening - the autobiographical "Still Tempting" which deals with the original line up back in 1964 and their trials and tribulations dealing with their dance routines and the fact that after all this time they are still here, still doing the rounds. And, yes, still tempting us with their unique sound. I was absolutely ECSTATIC when I heard "'Round Here" - this is CLASSIC Temptations a la Norman Whitfield "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" with strong, gravelly vocals, funky bass lines, wah wah guitar. Only Steve Harvey could have pulled this off for the Temptations. More up-to-date is "Stay Together" which is more R&B inclined; the happy, clappy beat could be straight from the songbook of Eric Benét or Rahsaan Patterson. Just great.

“Somethin' Special” is a KILLER. Joe Herndon's monologue at the start of this song almost made me fall off my chair. This guy has a voice that is so similar to the late, great Melvin Franklin, and this really could be Melvin speaking. I rushed straight to their "Bareback" album and played "Easy To Love" - these guys are virtually identical. Great choice, Otis! The first single release was "Fifty Fifty Love" which was not immediately a track that I liked, but after a few plays I grew to love it. Joe opens up the gorgeous "Love To The Music" and we are led into a swaying guitar filled gem that wings me way back to the late 70s / early 80s; great vocal arrangement too - innovative and different. Ron Tyson's sweet falsetto sound is just gorgeous. Here's another KILLER track … "Mr. Fix It". Joe Herndon's monologue sets the scene for this precautionary tale about keeping one's lady at the centre of your attention. Wise words indeed and as for the tune - just brilliant and with Mr. Harvey in the mix and Bobby "Rufus" Watson on guitar what could be better? I cannot recommend this CD enough for the mentioned songs. I was saddened by the 2 CDs that followed, and I only hope they return to making new, original music such as this soon.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Tavares - Old Dawg - New Tricks EP - 2004 - Ear Candy

Tavares have a new album out in 2009 and I fear does little or nothing for these ears. The best tracks on it are actually the tracks from this 2005 EP. Actually, this set is mainly a Butch Tavares effort, not a family shindig, but I really do not care as long as there are enough songs to keep me happy. There are but 5 tracks on this CD and I would say that three would definitely appeal to you. The opening song has been lifted a s a single and this is classic quiet storm radio material - as well as classic Tavares material in itself. Back in the early to mid 1980s this would have been a great smash on the crossover front. The inclusion of a rapper on 2 uptempo songs took me aback. The first such song is "I Owe" and is actually an infectious, hard groove with strong 80s funk sensibilities. I can hear touches of The Bar-Kays, Cameo or even Prince in this, and the rap isn't too bad either, but I can do without it.

The cash register used at the start sounds very very similar to that used on the Christmas classic, "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everday", from Wizzard!!! I would recommend you plumb for the superb 80s floater, "Wind & Rain", which should satisfy the Quality Time heads out there. My only quibble is that this, and the whole effort is not exactly major label quality, but very much independent sounding. I feel very sad that groups of this calibre have to resort to small back room efforts. It really maddens me. The 80s flavour continues with "You're My Lady" and is another fine moment. These two tracks are not far in mind from the recently reviewed soulchoon Y2K classic from New Birth. Well recommended for "Wind And Rain" and "You're My Lady".

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Brian Moore - My World - 2004 - Clout

This is a little-known in the style that Kenny Lattimore should be making. Vocally Brian Moore is a dead ringer for Kenny Lattimore, and musically this is a LOT better than Kenny’s past three albums. Brian is an excellent, honest and expressive singer and pirouettes from smooth and soulful to tortured and rough, he is vibrant at times with a real, raw passion. I begin with the bubbly title song, "My World". Once I got past the electronic Kenny Everett 'Captain Kremmon' computer voice we are treated to a spine-tinging intro to a smashing and atmospheric song; futuristic, airy and as fresh as a mountain stream. After being impressed by this I was very much taken with the superb modern head nodder "My Life (Baby It’s You)" which should have garnered some decent radio play. This is a pity, and I urge you to give this track a definite listen. "If They Know" is rather a brooding number, a shade off key and even more haunting for it as far as I am concerned. This bass-laden heavy number is tempered by Brian’s smooth vocal and impassioned delivery.

There’s nothing better than a good old sensual interlude and an even better song to follow, so I was pleased to find "Interlude" and "U Ain’t Right" on here which are very, very good. "Same Ol’ Thing" is a fantastic track and contains some great keyboard that are the same as Kiara used for "Always" back in 1990. With me, Brian is onto a winner with this. His vocals are excellent on here and prove how soulful and real this gentleman is. Should anyone doubt this, I would seriously recommend track 10, "Somebody Told Me". This Paul Minor and Damion Johnson penned song is simply amazing. It’s a sneakily addictive song. The backing music, comprised of a lazy, sexy beat and wah wah guitar are gelled together with some haunting synth and drunken strings which result in a progressively dramatic track that climaxes in a powerful, raspy vocal performance. Although the CD only credits 11 songs, there are in fact 13. I have no idea what these are called, but I would suggest that track 12 is called "The Way Life Goes". This is an ultra-soulful, basic acoustic number that is essential as it is melancholic. I love this sort of song, and Brian handles it very well indeed. Highly recommended.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Gerald Levert - Do I Speak For The World - 2004 - Atlantic

There came a time when I simply got bored of Gerald Levert. This album certainly woke me up a bit! This was released on Atlantic, and was a masterpiece of social commentary for Gerald. Those who have spoken up have soon been slapped down - think Dixie Chicks - and the ensuing silence has been deafening. Gerald took it upon himself to raise these issues in a very considered way and as far as the album's flow is concerned I can tell that a serious amount of thought, emotion and love has been put into the first 6 tracks. The inclusion of orators Cornel West and Tavis Smiley is a stroke of genius, and their message is truly inspiring. One states "you can't lead the people if you don't love the people". How true that is. The title cut is spirited and contains a very tasty live funky drummer type beat as well as some beautiful string accompaniment by our old friend, Larry Gold. "Crucify Me" is another stunning politico-social message wrapped up in funky clothing; the percussion and live instrumentation are second to none and the theme is defiant. Gerald had something to say and, isn't the basic freedom of the right to express an opinion something we should champion?

Family and social issues take precedence in the SUPERB 70s styles "Greater Later". What Gerald is explaining here is the virtue of patience - as he says tomorrow is only a day away. Brilliantly put. The mood changes into more of a bedroom mode from here onwards, and is very nice too. The first ballad that really grabs me is "Better To Talk It Out" which has a great Y2K feel but has a melody and hook that is straight out of the 70s Blue Magic tradition. I love this song and I think you will too. "Everyday" is also a nice track and "Duty Calls" is a low-down dirty ballad that sees Gerald kicked to the kerb when he's waiting for his woman to come home from hanging with her girls. I love the Larry Gold orchestrated gentle ballad "So What (If You Got A Baby)" which deals with his wooing a single mum. As he says, one man's silver is another man's gold. What a lovely lyric and nicely put. Nice as this is, the song that caused the most of a stir on UK soul radio is the Philly influenced "Click A Glass". This collaboration with Edwin "Tony" Nicholas is just SUBLIME. Another beautiful song with a potent family message. This was Gerald at his most soulful and very best. What a gaping hole he has left.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Desi - Golden Lady - 2004 - Clout

Having recently reviewed Al Johnson's 1980 album, my mind took me to this gem from 2004. As soon as I saw that Al and Paul Minor had their hands in this release I knew immediately that this had to be checked out. I adore Al Johnson’s vocals, his writing and production and he shines on this collaboration with the excellent Desi. Desi has been known on the indie scene for almost 20 years, and has yet to disappoint. The CD boasts 6 tracks on here that are really, really strong and will definitely be up your street. My first choice is the excellent 80s sounding "Together Forever" which is Desi’s own composition. Superb! My favourite song though has to be the KILLER dancer that is the irresistible "Unless She Comes Back Home". This is Desi and Al Johnson at their uptempo best and although the story line of the song is quite sad, the music is so happy, positive and ‘in there’ that it is a dream of a song. This is exactly the sort of uptempo material that gets my juices flowing.

Again, another favourite is the interesting and funky "Wait Until You’re Ready" which has a hard, chunky beat and some tasty keys. There is also that classic New Jack Swing squeaky effect which was so prevalent in the late 80s and early 90s. Although those particular tracks sound pathetically dated now, this song certainly does not. In addition it has some superb, raspy sax courtesy of Brian Lenair. I heartily recommend this strong, strong dancer. "Takin’ It As It Comes" as a midtempo effort is excellent, needless to say. There are also 2 other remixes at the tail end of this CD to check out too. You may have gathered from this already that I am favouring the uptempo material. You would be right; there is little of what I call balladry on here but that is a trifle, really. There is one ballad on here that I recommend and that is "This Feeling We’re Feeling". The only thing that marred it for me slightly is the input of a heavy rock guitar. All in all this CD has some blindingly good moments, and is definitely worth a purchase for the above songs. In contrast there are some less appealing songs – the cover of "Never Can Say Goodbye" being one of them.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Val Watson - Urbal - 2004 - Thump

Val Watson, for those unfamiliar with the name, was the lead singer of Club Nouveau and a very sexy singer she is to boot. This is not what I expected, but that is not always a bad thing. Vocally, and for the most part, Val adopts a nasal vocal style of the same ilk as Larry Blackmon. This took some getting used to. In fact, in some places I am reminded of the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez from TLC. However, this manic vocal brew has warmed to me a great deal and the style suits the funkiness of the CD and I would say that if you are a fan of hard, 80s funk then you would love this CD. If not, then there are a few delicious ballads that should get the taste buds going. The real gems start for me with a cover of "Earth, Wind & Fire" which is really smooth and, in fact reminds me of the Woody Cunningham flavour from his "Universal Love" album. There are some moments of pure fun funk and Michael Cooper and Bootsy Collins add vocal support to the SUPERB bass-trembling "The Real (Do Do)". This kind of bass-heavy modern R&B funk style is something I wish we had more of this side of the 80s. I would LOVE to hear this pumped up in a Club with some proper wattage behind it. Michael adds his funky voice and Bootsy…well, is just the Bootsy we all know and love. A pure moment of bliss for my ears, especially when the Zapp-like vocoder crops up again.

Britain's very own Jane Eugene from Loose Ends pops up and adds her lovely vocals to the excellent summer vibe of "Whether U Know It" which is a personal favourite of mine, complete with the strings, violin solo and warm, warm Fender Rhodes. This is a head-nodding ballad where Val sings in her ordinary and, in my opinion, far superior voice. An excellent example too of sultry Y2K soul and possibly a tune that will be criminally overlooked if not careful. There is the rump-shaking funk of "Soul Shack", complete with funky EW&F type guitars and horns. Lovers of Steve Harvey's work with Impromp2 and The Temptations will adore this. The ESSENTIAL "Flower" features George Duke and Gerald Albright on flute and is just a phenomenal song and one of the jewels in the musical crown. The lazy, slinky jazz feel is sublime and Val's classy vocals are amazing on this. Another future in-demander. For lovers of real instrumentation head straight to the jazzy soul of "Days Like This" which features John Barnes on piano and rhodes, Michael White on drums and Gerald Albright on bass. The evergreen Patrice Rushen joins Val on the chunky plodder, "Alright" which is another one for the Impromp2 lovers out there. Gerald McCauley produces the set, alongside Val. Gerald is one of my favourite producers and has set about this style perfectly, though I do prefer his more soulful ballad-orientated approach. If you have not been aware of this producer then seek out and purchase "The McCauley Sessions" CD from 1999 if you can as it is ESSENTIAL listening. Do not overlook this album.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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GC Cameron - Shadows - 2004 - DeqaJacc

GC Cameron is, in my view a superstar. He has sung lead vocals for two of the most spectacular soul vocal groups of all-time, the Spinners and thenThe Temptations, and has had a string of glittering albums himself as a solo artist from 1974. In my opinion he should be a lot bigger than he is. If anyone ever doubts the validity of this case then please let "Shadows" change your opinion. This was released well into 2004 and of the 11 songs on offer there are only two that failed to impress me. The groove is definitely in the Y2K bag without aiming at the kids' R&B market and balances steppers and ballads in perfect measure. We never get tired listening to this. The man definitely still has the guts and the gravel in his delivery that we all know and love. G. C. Cameron soothes, he growls and he hollers his way with a powerful voice powered by the magical ingredient which is SOUL. "Foolish" is the perfect opener on this CD and instantly won me over. The beats and eerie synth very cosy bedfellows indeed, drenched in Cameron's versatile chops. This track alone is worth the price of a CD. Add to this the KILLER "My House" with its warm Rhodes has some seriously delicious Impromp2 overtones; a track like this is written for warmer, longer days. "I choose Your Love" is a contemporary ballad with elements and throwbacks to the great vocal group tradition with the harmonies. Very nice indeed. Another killer for me is the luscious, sax filled ballad, "Falling Bridges" which apes at the traditional nursery rhyme. What a lovely track and one that really stands as one of the cream cuts. I think that "No Lovin' Til Friday" is possibly the most 'today' inclusions as it is quite sparse - again the organ pops up, but the song is quite quirky and not bad at all. Funkier than this is the "Inner City Blues" Marvin Gaye-ish vocal cut "Price". On this, Cameron sounds both like Larry Graham and Ron Tyson - is this one hell of a feat or not?! "Got What You Need" is a more traditional outing and fares well, but pales in comparison with the KILLER "Shadows II"... oh what a track. This is what real soul music is all about, and yet again we are reminded that that there is some strong music about. The original Ardent 7" from 1989 isn't bad either, so seek that out if you haven't already. The 70s styled ballad "Truly Wonderful" - an apt title - closes the lid on our listening pleasure, and has our hero crooning and letting rip in the most fantastic fashion away to a gentle swishing tempo, bringing to an end the latest instalment of this great man's ongoing career. Let's have more of this in 2009! Readily available from CD Baby!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Gary J - Step Aside - 2004 - PPL Records

This really was a bolt out of the blue when I received this in the post back in late 2004. Although this 15 track CD is not all to my taste (the uptempo numbers do very little for me as they are too R&B for my liking) there are no less than SIX killer quiet storm cuts on here well worth the money. I seriously recommend it as this gentleman really hits the spot as far as I am concerned. Magical, haunting and thoroughly essential, the following choices are just to die for, and the fact that the set can be ordered from Amazon for a mere £8 makes this a no-risk disc at a must-have price. The quality of the CD is top-notch and vocally Gary J reminds me of a warm fusion of Surface's Bernard Jackson, Jesse Campbell, a tiny hint of Michael Jackson (think "I Can't Help It"), and even Archie Love from The Right Choice. Gary's ability to bring a shiver to my spine and goose bumps to the arms is paramount. Our first foray into sophisticated soul excellence is the meaty ballad "Satisfy You" which, musically, would not be out of place on the excellent London Jones album on Silas / MCA from 1994. It has a warm, fluid arrangement that sits peacefully in the late 80s / early 90s quality tradition. The acoustic opening for "Only You" soon meets up with a shuffling backbeat and haunting synths. Smooth, velvety and aching are the best words to describe Gary's delivery. I can hear elements of Surface as well and this has to be a great thing; Bernard Jackson definitely is fair comparison. Lovers of mid 90s quality ballads will swoon for the powerfully delivered heartache ballad, "Tell Me Why", which is a song that I particularly adore. Gary really does put himself into his writing and one gets the impression that he has lived through these songs. This is what real soul music is about, folks, is it not?

This soulful catharsis really does the business and is complemented by the able "I'm Missing You", the smooth vocals doing the business yet again. However, the KILLER for me is "Completely". I thought that I had died and gone to heaven when I heard the first minute of this song; by this time I had already hit the repeat button and started it again. As I first heard it I sat there thinking "this is beautiful - DON'T muck this one up!". I was not disappointed. The old spine had a definite shiver and boy did I go cold! This really took me by surprise, and being of a ballad disposition, I was totally overwhelmed at the sheer soulfulness, delicacy and...perfection of this song. I must have played this song hundreds of times over the past 4 years or so and still get choked up hearing it; I feel every time the same "wow!" factor of when I first heard it. Believe me, folks, there's a lot of good stuff out there, even a lot of excellent material but I take my hat off to this song. "Completely" is in a class of its own. This, Gary, is where your serious talents lie. My only complaint is that it ends too quickly - that synth and haunting arrangement needed to fade a bit longer! I am being nit picking here, though. AND, if this was not enough I was double-whammied with the KILLER "Someone Like Me". I can sit and listen to the opening 20 seconds over and over and over again. Amazing. The song has a feel of Surface a la "3 Deep", especially where vocals are concerned. I can recommend you this CD on any of these tracks, but DEFINATELY for "Completely" which I think rated as my number-one track of 2004.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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