Bashiyra - Thought You Knew - 2009 - Bashiyra

Yet again the UK comes up with a real soul talent, leaving our once more trusted US cousins trailing in the dirt. If you tuned in to Gary Spence on the Soulchoonz radio show in December then you would have heard this Lady and her excellent "Don't Get In My Face". Well, if you liked that song then there are at least five more songs for you to enjoy that are in a similar vein. For me the rest of the CD appeals to a younger audience, and the tail end of the set would appeal to more hip, trendy, young things than myself and take a dance approach. Not my cup of tea, but the following choices are more than satisfying. I start my list of choices with the SUPERB head-nodding "Immaculate" which is an irresistible groove in the same musical vein as anything on the Soulpersona album, Jonah or Steve Wallace sets. On this number there is much to entice in the traditional soul fan. The vocals really are superb. Bashiyra is no weakling, squeaker or whiner. A full-bodied vocal performance laced with the nuance of someone very much like Chanté Moore.

"U, Me" compliments this groove greatly. This song has texture, yet it is, compared to many traditional soul songs, quite sparse. The quirky guitar throughout this piece makes "U, Me" have real atmosphere. The classy vocals merely are the icing on the cake. For those of you who liked the 90s sounds of, say, Souled Out or Lisa Stansfield then "Mistified" will really appeal to you. Indeed, this Lady has got that Sarah Warwick kind of appeal and as a singer can really deliver strongly on various styles. If, like me you consider the more traditional approach to melody and structure more appealing then may I suggest the mouth-watering duet with S. Murray called "Love Jones". S. Murray has a fantastic voice - clear, concise, smooth and perfectly pitched against Bashiyra's talents. The pair interplay perfectly and the sexy rolling bassline and subtle undercurrent synth are sublime. This, I could imagine appearing on one of the Soul'd Together compilations that slipped out and disappeared without a trace in the early 90s. With Bashiyra we have a real talent and I am proud to wave a soulful British flag for this lovely Lady.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Various Artists - DJ Spinna: The Boogie Back - 2009 - BBE

Vincent Williams aka DJ Spinna has no need to try and win me over as a fan. He did that many years ago with sets that appealed to a wide audience within the soul / dance spectrum and his uptempo groovers and remixes are second to none. I had always wondered what makes artists and DJs like this tick, and so this compilation sets out, in part, to answer that. I admit total ignorance to most of these songs that Spinna has selected for this plateau of funky post disco club jams. What a selection of tunes, though! The vibe is perfect - uptempo, feel-good and from a far more enlightened and simpler era which spans 1978 - 1984. This two disc set is essential in my view. Disc one being unmixed, the second being mixed. Some tracks have been remastered from vinyl, but do not sound bad at all and you know how pinicketty I am with vinyl being used as a source for CD!!! The first song is a real strong soulful jam from 1982, a bass-driven number, "The Bottom Line" by South Bronx is worth shelling out on the CD for in my honest opinion. This is a perfect number to get the limbs moving and stop the snow freezing you up!

Chemise's "She Can't Love You" is presented here in it's original 12" mix, and this is very much what i as a fan and collector like to see and hear. Mtume's "So You Wanna Be A Star" from their 1980 LP is here from vinyl BUT has just been reissued properly on CD in Japan, so if the credit crunch hasn't affected you half as much as it has squeezed me then head off to your local importer and snap it up! A classic track and fans of Change or Chic will fall in love with this groove. Tawatha Agee sounds great as usual! "Betcha Can't Love Just One" by Final Edition is another great mover from the early 80s and will appeal to fans of THAT early 80s boogie sound. Classy track, this, and no mistake. Ronnie Dyson's "All Over Your Face" appears again - a popular cut at the moment, and rightly so. Stargaze "You Can't Have It" is a really good song that I am new to and credit to all for drawing it to my attention. happy days! A strong compilation and well worth a purchase.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

Freddie Lee - Beyond Comprehension - 2009 - Butterfly Records

When you pick up this CD and look at Freddie there are elements to his aspect of Morris Day and Mikki Bleu. Vocally this Florida native has a home-grown, gruff style that would not be out of place on a Gospel release. He's a true exponent of traditional soul singing and not a nasal whiner by any stretch of the major label imagination. I spoke about Larry Graham in the performance of William Scott a few reviews ago, and this also applies to this gentleman. I hear inflections of the great man here and this does nothing but make songs such as "Brighter Days" possess more weight, kudos and punch. This beaty, lumbering yet positive ditty contains elements of Labi Siffri's "Something Inside So Strong" within the lyrics, but in no way apes the whole song. I guess today this is knows as...'homage'. This positivity continues unabashed with the perky ""Great I Am". I like songs like this from real, bonafide soul singers. Singers like Freddie have known very hard times, and the process of overcoming is something very powerful. Freddie's conviction from his own struggle is plainly evident in his songs and his singing. Thus the tradition of the real soul singer.

The song that really should get radio exposure is the jubilant "Waiting For Me". No song on here exemplifies all that I have expounded on here better than this. Again, cleverly utilising sections of Aretha Franklin's "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" this joyous outing will do nowt but impress. "Friend" opens with a really impressive monologue that would not be out of place on an Calvin Richardson or Bobby Womack album. This midtempo jam will certainly win some friends upon hearing. On a gospel note, Freddie does exactly what I like to hear - he stylises a song in a way that would appeal to those of a non-secular nature as well as merry appreciators of, say, Richard Dawkins! I cannot get to grips with too much overt religion but you know that this is what Freddie is mixing in here...and this works for me and will without doubt have greater appeal. If you love Glenn Jones then "Beyond Comprehension" is a track for you! Freddie sounds so much like Glenn Jones - even the UK's very own Bryan Powell on here. This track is SUPERB. I would buy the CD for this track alone, and am sure that a visit to CD Baby and a quick listen will convince you to click on 'purchase'. If you're looking for warmth and comfort on these cold, icy snowy January nights then look no further than...Freddie Lee.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Ava Lemert - From My Soul - 2009 - Ava Lemert Music

Hailing from Citrus Heights, California, the petite yet powerful Ava Lemert blows away the cobwebs from 2009 with her zingy sax prowess and funky vocals. This is no smooth jazz set, by no stretch of the imagination. The CD definitely has it's fair share of jazzy moments, but in equal measure do we find plenty of soul and funk vibes. A set, I would imagine, that encompasses everything we know and love about our music. There is something on here for everyone who visits these pages, and if you check out the sound samples on CD Baby then I think you'll agree that this is a worthwhile purchase to kick off your soulful squandering in 2010! As far as my feelings go, I was sold within moments of hearing the intro to "You Know You Got It". The real instrumentation, funky guitar, horns and flute are superb and very much in a mid '70s vibe. I wouldn't say that Ava has the vocal prowess of, say, JC Bentley or Regina Belle, but she is very much at home on this kind of groove.

The edgier "I Want To Funk It Up" reminds me of grittier moments from the latest U-Nam CD, and the vocals certainly work well on here with the strained and freaky sax touches. Fans of Boney James will find a home with the gorgeous Rhodelea, a semi vocal cut with a nice haunting melody, backing vocals and loose rhythm that allows the sax to take centre stage. Strong, and extremely worthwhile is this track. A full-blown vocal cut complete with acoustic guitar can be found with "Won't Be Your Plaything" - this gives us a Hammond organ and therefore a different feel. I much prefer the sexy, saxy "That '70s Girl" complete with wah-wah guitar. This is definitely the sort of funky jazz that I like to hear. What surprised me was a soulful interpretation of George Michael's "Nothing Looks The Same In The Dark". This is quite good actually, and I'm sure the Great Man - being a soulboy himself - would heartily approve. "You Got Something Coming To You" could be a great vehicle for someone of the stature of Joss Stone...this is a strong, rootsy soul track of real merit and is one that should do the business on radio. All in all a promising debut CD!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Download from Amazon

Luther Vandross - Never Too Much: The Soul Of Luther Vandross - 2009 - Camden

Luther Vandross, like Barry White and James Brown is an artist whom I mourned on their passing. Unique, majestic, powerful yet sensitive, delicate and soulful, Vandross really did have it all. Luther had worked his way to the very pinnacle of musical stardom and in so doing worked with and gained the hearty respect of all those he sang backings for, produced or accompanied. A real, genuine, all-rounder this man piled through the disco era right through to the Hip Hop era and managed to blend in perfectly, managing to 'Luther-ise' everything he touched. His ability to secure a solid fan base in the RnB market never diminished when he reached pop superstardom. For me, it is when he achieved stellar status in the late 80s / early 90s that my interest started to wane BUT like the star he was he always tapped my musical shoulder with one gem or another, renewing my faith in the true soul star under the newly acquired pop star status. Soul Man, Steve Ripley and Camden Records have collaborated to craft this different and interesting compilation, and with David Nathan on liner notes this double album comes recommended. It's a smattering of the great, the good and the hits that made up the package, the Man.

Most albums are covered here - at least his Epic output at least. Many of my favourites are on here, as I suspect many of yours too. "The Night I Fell In Love" is my first choice...this 1985 track is simply sublime, as is "Creepin'" and "My Sensitivity" from the same set. These tracks succinctly sum up the man...soulful, superior and so...Luther. I can't hear "Give Me The Reason" without getting chills. This is still an amazing track is it not?! Talking of amazing, CD 2 contains the KILLER "Never Too Much" - a song that always lifts me out of the doldrums, and another track that floored me from first hearing in 1988 was the beautiful "Any Love". "So Amazing" is another clear choice but the track I really would have included here is "There's Nothing Better Than Love", the 1986 duet with the also late, great Gregory Hines. This CD contains two tracks that were only previously available on compilations, notably the MOR-ish "It's All About You" and the more soulful and relevant "She's So Good For Me" - both are worthwhile efforts, and it's welcome to have them included here on this CD, especially the latter song. For the whiskerless youth, the RnB whippersnappers out there or the passing Radio 2 housewife this compilation will suffice, but readers here, the ardent supporters will already have all the CDs I am sure - but I thank all concerned for keeping this stellar talent in the public eye and heart with this timely album.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

Smokey Robinson - Time Flies When You're Having Fun - 2009 - Robso Records

I was close to crying tears of joy listening to this album for the first time. I was so disappointed with his "Food For The Soul" album, revelled in his new songs on the 2005 Motown so-called "Definitive Collection" compilation and openly wept to the magnificence of "I Love Your Face" from his 2006 "Timeless Love" album. What I was hoping for has duly arrived and that is a set of new songs - mostly! - back in the style that we really know and love from this GENIUS. No beating about the bush there...he is a genius. If you prefer Smokey's music warm, intimate and set in his classic 1970s, early 80s settings then "Time Flies When You're Having Fun" is definitely the album from this great man for you. Fans of 1975's "A Quiet Storm" will automatically hear many comparisons. Indeed, lovers of "Timeless Love" who appreciated the cosiness of the live band in the recording studio will also enjoy this. Paul Jackson Jr, Ray Parker Jr, David T Walker, Phil Upchurch, Sonny Burke and Luis Conte amongst others pool their musical resources to create music heaven. Smokey invites in the new guard too such as the UK's brilliant Joss Stone as well as the more established Carlos Santana and India.Arie to cause even more of a quiet storm stir.

Every track is a winner. No arguments from me on that. Check the opening song...this is straight back to his "Quiet Storm" period and considering this great man is almost 70, his vocals are seriously and truly better than ever. There is not one iota of vocal deterioration and he is so at home on this wonderful groove. I listen to this Cd more and more and as each time I hear it, the closer it moves to my heart. Musically and lyrically this is amazing, beautiful and so...Smokey Robinson! I can guarantee that you will play "Time Flies" over and over and over again. Beautiful. A surprising inclusion is a very delightful reading of Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why". This interpretation has us wondering why the man himself had not written this himself. It really is in his lyrical style. It's only in hearing him sing this that one realises how he can take another's song and totally inject his own irrefutable musical DNA into it. Joss Stone, who the man has rightly every respect for, joins our hero on the awesome "You're The One For Me". Joss is a real and honest to God soul talent and I hope to hear more greatness from her in the future as I feel her power has NOT yet been best tapped. 70s flavours have marinaded "That Place" and I cannot stop playing this song...these are truly the types of grooves that the great man is best at applying his awesome talents to. The excellence of "Love Bath" takes us back to the early 80s efforts, and the lyrics are typically seductive yet not lewd or crude. Instead of being explicit, Smokey has always been subtle yet very upfront. More of the same here. This is definitely one of the best and most consistent albums of 2009. Here's to more of the same for 2010!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

Mayer Hawthorne - A Strange Arrangement - 2009 - Stones Throw

This is a very interesting album. Mayer Hawthorne - dare I call him a blue-eyed soul singer has stepped out of the shadows and offers us a very surprising album of retro flavoured soul which embraces many styles and flavours. Obviously what this gentleman is doing is paying homage to the classic sounds that he - like I and, I am sure, you - grew up loving and holding dear. Vocally I hear so many aspects of different vocalists. Take, for example, the title track where the classic early '70s Philly sound of Will Hart and Thom Bell is aped I can distinguish a Spinners slant, the echo of Thom Bell or Bobby Martin's leanings a la arrangements, but the underpinning of the vocal smacks to me of Ray Parker Jr. I have to be honest and admit that I don't think Mayer's strength is particularly his voice. This, ordinarily, would be a stumbling block for me BUT in light of the tunes he uses it actually fits in very well indeed. There is...vulnerability and sincerity here and to me that's an all important element in what true soul music is all about. The heavy Atlantic / Stax styled drumbeat - think "Tramp" - is very warm and welcoming, and the vocal approach is almost Smokey Robinson cum Will Hart. The vocal harmonies are even approaching Moments territory too, and this amorphous mulch is very pleasing on the ear to boot.

"Maybe So, Maybe No" could easily have been on Motown in the early '70s with Hal Davis or Johnny Bristol's name against the credits. Fans of early '70s material will really appreciate this. Hold on! This is almost 2010 and look what we have! LOL. Talking of Motown "Your Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin' Nothin'" is right in that genre with a Funk Brothers styled backing and a Holland-Dozier kind of flow. Again, we're into the second decade of the 21st Century...if this doesn't make you break out into a beaming smile then nothing will! "Make Her Mine" struts the same stuff but this time with a Norman Whitfield bent. This is the sort of groove that the Temptations or Undisputed Truth could have recorded in the 1967 - 69 period. The Motown flow continues with the H-D-H flavoured "One Track Mind" and everything about the song has exactly the elements which made Motown great. This is superb material. I find his vocals, again, matched to the material. I could hear the likes of Brenda Holloway executing this well. "Shiny And New" returns us to a Philadelphia groove and that vulnerable element to the voice perfectly takes me back to the classic falsetto sounds of the late '60s and early 70s. Superb arrangement, total quality and well worth a purchase. My final choice is "Green Eyed Love", an All Platinum sounding gig with Harry Ray well and truly in mind here. This is, if you please, something that would not sound out of place against a track such as "Sexy Mama". Sound good to you? Trust me, it does to me and I sure think it's a good'un. A remarkable album for unremarkable times.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

Alessanndro Magnanini - Someway Still I Do - 2009 - Schema

Now, when I first saw that this CD was on the hallowed Schema label I knew this would be good. I knew, in fact, that it would be VERY good. What I wasn't in for was how amazingly good it actually was! It is a strong, strong album in the Schema tradition of quality jazz and I can honestly report to you that every track is a winner. It is BIG in every way. Of a grand scale, Alessanndro Magnanini sets out his stall with no boundaries and no limitations. The instrumentation is BIG!, expansive, rich and delivered with a real flourish of that good old Italian flair. Let's face it, these Italians have always been cool, and this CD is of no exception. If you love the material of other Schema releases such as the High Five Quintet, Gerardo Frisina, Toco, Nicola Conte etc then you are simply going to want to order this CD blind. A few tracks at the start are a wee bit different and will appeal to those who like dramatic numbers in the vein of Shirley Bassey - this is extremely chic and cool and totally not what we would have expected the future of jazz to have been, say, 20 or so years ago!

"Open My Eyes" is a massive, massive production which could have been recorded at Studio A, Capitol Studios in the early '60s. Full and rich orchestration and powerful, confident vocals by Jenny B. This is simply jaw-dropping, no beating about the bush on this song. The bossa of "So Long, Goodbye" complete with trumpet solo by Fabrizio Bosso is totally spine tingling. Again, Jenny B shines vocally and proves yet again that the REAL jazz is NOT being recorded in the US at the moment. There, they are only trying to either put you asleep with smooth jazz, or make you feel violent and agitated with aggressive, banal and childish RnB. Let them get on with it. Here in Europe we know what the real deal is and Schema are dishing up REAL music by the cartload! I totally feel the mood of "But Not For You" and the sentiment does not escape me either. The brillaint bossa nova complete with swirling strings and vocals by the smooth Liam McKahey are beyond exceptional. Such top-draw material I really cannot believe that we are lucky enough to have such amazing material in 2009.

The title track is dancingly delightful, almost waltzing us along with a slight ghost of a hip 60s soundtrack to boot, Liam McKahey again works his vocal magic on here. Dare I say it, there is a very slight echo of Scott Walker to his approach. Listen close and clear and you'll hear exactly what I mean. Track 8 is AWESOME!!!!!!! This is Schema at it's jazzy best...the double bass and rattling, rolling drums pirouette with the percussion and slip us easily into Koop territory with vocals from the lovely Renata Tosi. "Stay Into My Life" cannot be beaten on any front. Fans of the gorgeous Roalia De Sousa shall delight in her effortless sexy vocals (in Portuguese) on "L'estate E'Qua". Add "Something Fine" to the mix with it's cool bossa flavour and vocals courtesy of Stefania Rava then this CD is more than complete. Alessanndro Magnanini dedicates this CD to his father...I think your Dad would be very proud of this CD, and I for one totally understand why. Exceptional in every possible way. Once again I bow down before real purveyors of quality music.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Stayce Branché - The Evolution To Living In Truth - 2009 - Soulfare

My God! Do I love this album or what?! Stayce Branché has been a strong, strong artist for some time now and her ability to deliver quality ballads and dancefloor tunage is in no doubt. This album, though, really is the jewel in her most enviable crown. It is delicate, sexy, erotic, soulful, jazzy and eminently essential. I'll give you the lowdown on the approach Stayce has taken. Imagine Minnie Riperton, should she still be with us, making a quality soul album today...and throw in the aura of Sheree Brown and Patrice Rushen for effect. This is very much a quality 2009 album - real instruments and all - but with real late 1970s / early 1980s sensibilities. Albums like this are very rare these days and when we get presented with one as good as this I can do nowt but shout about it from the highest rooftops. Fans of Sheree Brown, and her recent "'83" CD in particular will get into the spoken word groove of the opening song, "Let The Music Play". Again, one can hear the likes of Zhané, N'Dambi or Floetry grappling this well. The sexiness of Minnie Riperton really comes to the fore with the AWESOME "Contact". Let's face it, Stayce is a beautiful Lady and her vocals here are truly sexy. This guy is very much sold hook, line and sinker!

Again, following this gem is a real killer in the form of "I Was Thinkin' Maybe" which is very much a '70s Riperton affair. With Craig T. Cooper on guitar and Cal Bennet on Tenor Sax, this is truly a succulent and toothsome delight. I kid you not, this CD is total, total quality and tracks like this warm the very bottom of my musical heart. "They Don't Know About Us" will not fail to impress, and the sublime Riperton-like outing "With You" complete with Sheree Brown type acoustic guitar will seriously have you clammering for more. "Wrapped Up In Love"...delicious. That's an understatement. Real instruments, warm and cosy, this intimate, hushed sexy number is top-notch and reminds me of Syreeta collaborating with Leon Ware back on her "One To One" album. Superb. See? Told you this was a great album didn't I?! THE song for me has to be the emotion-drenched "Hard To Say Goodbye". This is jaw-dropping soul music at it's very best. Alex Al's bass work is superb, and the Rhodes courtesy of Brandon Coleman are second to none. Sexy, jazzy and totally essential. The piano line that ushers in "When Did You Know?" is worthy of Burt Bacharach, and allows Stayce to showcase her amazingly gorgeous vocals; almost like Susaye Green in places here. Wow. Talking of Bacharach, the superb Leslie Drayton steps in with his Flugelhorn and sprinkles extra magic on "Love Is All You Need". This is one hell of an essential CD - definitely, for my money's worth, one of THE albums of 2009. Almost Christmas and it usually quietens down now...not this year...the quality keeps coming. Keep reading as there is a LOT more to come!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Gene Van Buren - What's Your Pleasure - 1982 / 2009 - Funkytown Grooves

This is a GEM of an album, and one that was very rare indeed on wax. A HUUUUUGE thank you to all the chaps at Funky Town Grooves as well as dear old Harry Weinger at Universal US, in collaborating to get this album a legitimate release on CD – and from the original Motown master tapes too! I have never been interested in remastering from vinyl – I can tell straight away and to say I'm put off is a bit of an understatement. “What's Your Pleasure” is a quality early 80s release that I have cherished for a very long time. I never forget Richard Searling playing “When Is My Turn” on his Red Rose radio show, “Soul Sauce”, back in the 80s, and knew there and then I had to own this LP. The thing was, it appeared not to be an easy set to get hold of then, but not now thanks to Funky Town Grooves!! The album is classy and appeals to lovers of connoisseur soul, and the better-styled early 80s boogie tunes. Gene Van Buren is better known as a backing singer, and has worked with many of the greats. He can be heard backing up alongside Luther Vandross on David Lasley's superb 1989 set “Soldiers On The Moon”, and even alongside David himself on backing chores for guitarist Jimmy Buffet. Now, Gene appears to have disappeared completely- and this is a crying shame for soul music. The 1982 album, all 9 tracks, were overseen by Berry Gordy himself, and featured a star-spangled line-up of musicians. Odd, then, that this remains an album shrouded in mystery. Benjamin Wright was an arranger, the legendary James Jamerson appeared on bass, and Michael White and Leon “Ndugu” Chancler are on drums. As for Gene himself – his vocals are absolutely breathtaking. Such clarity of voice and such power! He has been likened by some to Glenn Jones, but I would rather liken him to Rockie Robbins.

Although the main stay of this work is not ground breaking or novel, certain tracks certainly stand the test of time, and it is to those I turn my attention. “When Is My Turn” is the cream of the crop; lovers of Chapter 8 / Michael J Powell should find this as essential a song as “How Is It Possible” or “Don't Stop Lovin' Me”. The strings are gorgeous and the backing vocalists of Lynn Davis and Portia Griffin are sublime. “You've Got Me Where I Want You”has a great Ronnie McNeir summary flourish within its keyboards, and Gene's vocals are very Rockie Robbis-like here. This is a gently swaying song, juxtaposed to the heavier synth-funk on here such as “Action”. Incidentally, the horn arrangement comes from another great Motown act of the early 80s – Ozone.

The sort of classy 80s dance spirit captured by modern class acts such as Confection is encapsulated in the title track, “What's Your Pleasure”. The Paul Lawrence guitar, horns and freaky keys are all excellent. The groovy “I Give Good Love” would sound great on radio today – 26 years after release! If you are into tracks such as “High Hopes” from the S.O.S. Band, or “Act Like You Know” from fat Larry's Band then this will also do the business for you. The gorgeous “I Love You More (Than I Hate What You Do)”is again full of strings, and that is what helps give it such a rich quality! I wonder what this girl does though to warrant such a song? Is she a parking meter attendant?! Anyway, “What's Your Pleasure” stands as a lost album of quality songs from 1982, and its a pity that his follow-up album never took off in 1984, even though the pairing of this talent with Michael Stokes would, I am sure, have been AWESOME. We do get a taste of this, however, with the funky “You Excite Me” which is very 1984 and not unlike the material we could have expected to hear on the Dazz Band's “Jukebox” album that same year. This album is a real gem, and ta dream come true for me to own this on a proper, truly mastered CD release. ESSENTIAL.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

Mario Biondi - If - 2009 - Edel

I once wrote, you may recall, that Mario Biondi was 'the epitome of cool'. Well, wait until you hear this album! I LOVED "Handful Of Soul" to bits, and I love this album even more. This CD is simply essential, and fans of a fuller, richer 70s soul flavour will really, really love this album. I was blown away from the very first track, "Serenity", a massively soulful effort complete with brassy stabs, Hammond organ, dreamy vibes and wah-wah guitar. This could so easily have been recorded in the mid-late 1970s!!! Mario's distinctive, rich and intoxicating vocals tear up the joint and the instrumental bridge, crammed with funky guitar and dreamy keys, is simply to die for. Musically, "Something That Was Beautiful", harks back to Brian McKnights more laid back, fully orchestrated efforts, and Mario is more chilled - and I can actually hear him smiling when he sings. Such a mesmeric performer...would love to see this chap live. Mario shows us a fully fledged Barry White / Johnny Bristol approach with the string-laden "Be Lonely" and if you are not impressed by this then I suggest you go watch the latest general public talent show on ITV and be thankful you have appalling taste!

For fans of a '70s Jazz-fusion feel, "Love Dreamer" should sate your appetite and if you miss the bossa sounds prevalent on his previous set, or that of Arthur Verochai, then check out the sedate "Blackshop". A dinner jazz approach greets us with "I Wanna Make It" - the brushed drums and double bass make this a real lush, equatorial cushion for mario's more soothing tone. A fitting title for the following song is "Ecstasy"...a real mellow, soulful and tender ballad that really helps showcase, broaden and deepen this Singer's already mass appeal. I really LOVE his take on Julio Iglesias' "I Know It's Over" - not as great as the original in my honest opinion, but a great Latin take none the less. If you don't know the original song from Julio's 1988 album, "Non-Stop" then you MUST check it out. "Winter In America" also showcases Mario's musical persuasion well, and I have to say that though this is great, I am more taken by the sheer weight of atmosphere and passion in "Cry Anymore". This could be a Burt Bacharach composition from his 2005 album...it really is that good! The album, the artist and everything sells itself on major, major strengths. You cannot go wrong on this album and is definitely superior - if that is at all possible - to his screamingly essential "Handful Of Soul". Enough said.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Marcell and The Truth - Symbols - 2009

Marcell and The Truth are one of a number of artists who are doing a grand job of making sure that 2009 goes out, musically, with a big bang and not a whimper. Fully rooted in real soul, but with a major foothold on today's organic scene, "Symbols" boasts a playlist that is both strong, confident and flows very easily without becoming boring or too routine on the ear. I like the way that Marcel uses melody and to me he has studied the richer, more sensitive methods employed by the likes of the 70s Giants, such as Gene Page, Tom Brock, Barry White and even Leroy Hutson. The beats are metered and paced well, there is definite progression and structure to each track and has what Lamont Dozier said to be 'direction' - a start, a middle and an end. This is a very rare thing nowadays. Most artists have a bassline, a few keys and that is about it. No so Marcell. Check out track 23, "You Saved Me", a track that delicately employs some superb chord changes and guitar lines that Barry White would appreciate if he were to be here today. Some may find this non-urban or rap approach old or uninteresting. I challenge those who do to take a fresh ear to these urban knocks and see what actually comprises said tunes. I think you'll find Marcell and his like winning each and every time.

To start with, "Can't Wait" serves as a gorgeously floating appetiser. Slap bass and a real live sound that is both 2009 and 1979 all in one felt swoop. Vocally, I liken this gentleman to one in the league of the great, real, traditional singers. He has the essence that also embodies Ali Ollie Wilson, but without the raw, gritty rough edge. It's THAT streak of greatness that runs through like a strata in great performers. Seventies music aficionados would so appreciate "Just To Be Loved" - a kind of mid - late '70s love jam complete with wah-wah guitars and rattling rhythms. Imagine a hot day and the Fantasy label spinning around. The title cut also whisks us back to better musical days, and what excites me is that amongst all the RnB TRASH engulfing us today, there are younger artists like this ignoring the machismo and the trends and are simply out to make hones-to-God great soul music. Look no further than the socially conscious "All I Know" which would be loved by the more soulful sounds of, say, Dwele. For radio, "It's Kinda Like" should really, really take off. You will LOVE this song and be grateful of artists such as Marcell. Lovers of uptempo material should plumb for the great "Lost In The Moment" with a rumbling, eager bassline and plenty of real percussion. With an additional stepper's groove atop I can see this tune being MASSIVE. Soul Togetherness 2010 anyone? Folks, this is a great album and on that note I cannot recommend it enough.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Zo - Just Visting Too - 2009 - Chapter 3hree, Verse 5ive music

Zo!, from Detroit, has been making music since 2001, and the latest CD is a collection of very worthwhile and fresh cover versions of tunes that we all know and love from the '70s and '80s. With a vast array of experience, Zo! has crafted this collection perfectly for today's market - one that is sadly overrun with cover sets - and one that demande some originality and uniqueness. Harnessing the talents of good, soulful and altogether wholesome folks such as rapper, Phonté, Sy Smith, Yahzarah, Darien Brockington and Carlitta Durrand this 7 tracker really will be one that you will want to take the time in investing your very hard earned pennies and listening time. I am always wary of artists covering my favourite tunes - especially those written by Leon Ware and performed by Minnie Riperton!!! However, as usual my initial angst went unfounded and thee version of "Perfect Angel" is seductive, new and fresh yet true to the spirit of the original. Yahzarah cannot, of course, meter out such a performance as the late, great Minnie but her vocals are, as we all know, deliciously sexy and perfect for this smooth, warm and audibly exquisite reading for 2009.

A racier and meatier "Nights Over Egypt" doesn't work so well, I fear, but is by no means a poor or bad track. The beats are very much more definite than the original Dexter Wansel composition. Sy Smith's "Crazy You" is gorgeous...a track that would be perfect for that summer barbecue. I could imagine this slipping in nicely on the 2005 release 'Soul of Brazil'. If you don't know that album then please check it out!!! An instrumental version of Don Blackmon's timeless "Holding You, Loving You" is handles with much respect and the atmosphere created by Zo! is respectful and true homage is paid to this track. And why not. It is, after all, a classic, and the working in of early 80s styled fender rhodes keys is very heartwarming indeed. Rapper, Phonté - in my opinion one of the very few exponents of the style worth paying anttention to today - adds his soulful vocal touch to the timeless Bobby Caldwell tune, "My Flame". Again, fans of both his work with Jazzanova and Liquid Spirits will appreciate this. Yahzahra's "Something Special" is BRILLIANT. This has a superb mixture of Norman Connors and Impromp2 and is worth shelling out cash for for this track alone, let alone all the others. The wonderful talent who is Darien Brockington does a grand job on reworking the Isley's classic "The Highways Of My Life (Pt I and II)". It is haunting and addictive, real effort taken to run parallel with Ron Isley's beautiful styling. This is a great release and definitely one for your Christmas stocking!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters - 2009 - Motown

If you saw this release and dismissed it then you're really going to regret it. Big time. This is NOT a crass cash-in on the tragic passing of the genius who was Michael Jackson, nor is it a collection of lollipop pop / soul from the early 70s. It's crammed with some superb Jackson tunes that really should not have been left off their Motown albums. I seriously recommend this on many levels. I have always loved Michael Jackson and it was always obvious that this (then) child star was going to be HUGE. These songs, crafted by the likes of Willie Hutch, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Taylor, the Corporation, Hal Davis and Johnny Bristol are brilliant, with one or two real gems that are beyond essential. How or why these songs were usurped for others is beyond my ken, but thanks to Universal Records stalwart Harry Weinger, they are under the spotlight now. The Freddie Perren-written hand clapper "That's How Love Is" is very well crafted and probably the most crossover song here - this could so easily have been a winner on the hit parade.

The Gene Page arranged, Bobby Taylor penned "Listen I'll Tell You How" from 1969 is a real Motown gem and has the same sort of flavour as Marvin Gaye's "MPG" set - think "It's A Bitter Pill To Swallow" and you're not far off the beaten track. This is superb, it really is. I really am a fan of Smokey Robinson's early '70s sets, and the flavour of the epic cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Man's Temptation"from 1970 harks to Smokey's songs such as "Just My Soul Responding" or "Virgin Man". Utterly brilliant! Another lost hit is "Love Comes In Different Flavors" - a classic sound created by the Corporation in 1970. Willie Hutch's "Love Call" hails from 1972 and the racy pace of the track allows both Jermaine and Michael to interplay perfectly. Such a rich time for music, it's a shame these times are long gone. However, the real shining star on here is the breath taking "Buttercup", a song we all know and love from the late, great Carl Anderson in 1982. Not unlike "All I Do Is Dream About You" which saw it's light of day in 1980, this song was again written by Stevie Wonder for the lads back in 1973 and has only seen the light of day now. This is an essential track and will appeal to lovers of Stevie Wonder's wonderful early 1970s output. I cannot stop playing this track, and I know that once you hear it you will want to snap up this CD. My last pick is the Johnny Bristol track "I'll Try, You Try" which is a socially conscious piece and typical of both Motown at that period and what we came to expect from Johnny's MGM output. Please do not overlook this album as it really is crammed with great material. How much more sits gathering dust in the vaults of Motown?

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

Soulpersona - Soulacoaster - 2009 - Digisoul

This is...expansive, ethereal, cosmic soul. And Soulpersona is originally from from Wales! Well, there's lovely for you! Appealing to fans of 4Hero, our man, Soulpersona, treats our ears to a chilled set of songs that bodes us well for the coming new decade. Exemplifying this further, if you really warmed to the more futuristic, sensual modes of soul on Marva King's latest set (think "Lovely") the you will very much know what you are in for. match to this the more lkeft-field moments from 4Hero (aided and abetted by the legendary Larry Mizell) then sonically you bang this album on the head. I defy anyone with an ounce of soul and sensuality in their body to not seriously dig "Flying Easy" featuring the wispish, seductive Marva King-ish Deborah Jordan. This isn't a cover of the Pete Escovedo classic, but a brand new jam of real note. To be honest, the whole album is a weighty item and well worth your serious consideration. Attracting positive comments from the likes of Oliver Cheatham, Patti Austin and Leon Ware, it will be mere seconds of your listening time to hear exactly why the Legends have such positive things to say about this gentleman.

pastimes thinly into your subconscious...if this song doesn't grab you then shame on you!!! The glorious 70s sounding "Walk On Through" complete with flute is simply delightful, and the brilliant "So Natural" featuring Come, check out the dirty, sexy groove "Candy Wrapper". Complete with heavy bassline and guitar this could easily be Mtume for the 21st Century. The slinky vocals courtesy of Princess Freesia lays open more sensual, warm and wet feelings, the emphasis on pleasure and tantalisingveiled under the notion of unwrapping a candy. Such naughtiness so early on in a recording. Very promising indeed! The risque lyrics are veiled in metaphor and yet very sexy indeed. No lewdness or filth here, pure imagination only required! Darien appears on the KILLER "Don't Go". Oh, this is SUPERB! A futuristic yet traditional groove that simply flaotsKia Bennett cannot be beaten. The vocal harmonies easily on par with Zhané, this is a great, great tune. Fans of Liquid Spirits or Jazzanova will so feel the rap vibe of "Alright" - an Erykah Badu type of jam, and a strong rap paying homage to the soul greats. It gets no better. "In Your Eyes" pays such homage to the Ubiquitous soul sounds of Roy Ayers / Ramp and works magnificently. The delicious Deborah Jordan again pleases with the summery "Weightless" and Kia Bennet's "Lifetime" adds some real cold chill to proceedings. The closing call, "Imagine" is yet another KILLER that pays homage to the Roy Ayers sound, and draws to a close one of the most essential albums of the moment. Please do not let this homegrown gem slip away.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Lou Wilson and Today's People - Settle Down / Around The Corner From Love - 2009 - Soul Junction

This gentleman has graced the music world with his presence since the 1950s. It then where he became a founder member of Wade Flemons and The Newcomers, also later recording the hit "Here I Stand" for the legendary Vee-Jay label, then Lou moved onto Kent's subsidiary Supreme with "This Love Is Getting Deeper", as well as a stint with Columbia with "Got To Be Me". The new century has seen a new breath of life into this soulful music veteran, with 3 CDs released culminating in the much acclaimed 2005 release "Blues Groove". The new album (review coming soon!) for Frontline records is a real must, and Soul Junction have lifted these 2 SUPERB tracks to spearhead this release. I love this single to pieces, it takes me back to the accessible southern material that we would have heard on Robbie Vincent's Radio 1 show on a Sunday evening. Think Johnnie Taylor, Lonnie Hill or Mosley and Johnson and you have the makings of a great, great memorable release.

The A side, "Settle Down" is simple and plain down-south soul music that will make your heart sing. As we head towards Christmas and temperatures plummeting lower than my patience threshold, this song will invoke memories of warm breezes, summer days and good, good times. This is a crackin' tune and the catchy hook, synth and sax will do nothing but blow away those winter blues. So classy, this is a great song and well worthy of having been lifted as a collector's single release. The flipside, "Around The Corner From Love" is even better! I hear echoes of the legendary Johnnie Taylor here, and if you love the sound of live, real musicians, then I think this is going to be right up your champs elycees! You simply cannot beat real singing, real music and SOUL. You get all these and more on this single, and I promise you that this is but a mere teaser for the album, "Money Talk". Snap this up!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Soul Harmonics - These Times - 2009 - Freestyle Records

This is a CD that will grab you as much as either Nick Van Gelder or Paul Mac Innes and T.B.O.I did late last year. This is funky, groovy retro dancefloor soul that should shake a few cobwebs from even the most jaded souls such as myself. Freestyle Records are to be thanked for releasing this gem. Again, this shows that the dear old Americans have yet again lost out on releasing quality material and thanks to the more enlightened and musically astute Europeans have served up a seriously strong set of soulful steppers to accompany any of the great tunes of yesteryear on our hallowed dance floors. Sexy vocalist Rachel Claudio makes her mark big time on the opening salvo of tuneage, namely the strong, strong "Miscommunicate". This is a piece of music that pays homage to the stylings of Salsoul and Tom Moulton with plenty of slap bass and freaky keyboards. Ah...2009 doesn't get much better than this does it?!

The effervescent "These Times" complete with Philly styled keyboards and rattling percussion - Candido style - is superb. This is a great, great track and again owes more to the late 70s than the close of the first decade of the 21st Century! Again, vocalist Rachel Claudio works well on this groove, giving her all in a Meli'sa Morgan type fashion. And that can't be bad. If you like this please check out the latest Cool Million single - I know you will love that too. "Coffee" has a brilliant TSOP vibe and, boy, did this make me break out into a huge smile. There's nothing greater than the power of real good music to make you feel fantastic, and as soon as the vibes kick in atop this rattly, shaky vibe one harks back to the days of Vincent Montana Jr. That's good enough for me! The zingy strings and party vibe of "Do You Even Know" add more weight to this album's worth as a serious purchase, and on here the vibe almost strays into early '90s soulful dance a la Ce Ce Peniston. Knowing the good people who frequent this website, I know that this album will definitely be on your wants list. Doubters, should there seriously be any, need look no further than the brilliant dancer "Holding Her Close" for a final, definite push in the right direction. An essential album, and let's face it, the party season IS almost upon is...and it's better to have this in stock that...umm...agadoo?????

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

Soulive - Up Here - 2009 - Royal Family Records

Soulive have been providing us with superb tunes for just about a decade now, and this new set is another stepping stone on their remarkable journey. This is seriously groovy, funky and uncompromisingly gritty. If you are into real, proper Jazz-Fusion with backbone AND hob-nailed boots then "Up Here" should be the set that you plumb for. Brothers Neal and Alan Evans along with guitarist Eric Krasno, raw, passionate vocalist Nigel Hall and the Shady Horns (Sam Kininger, Ryan Zoidis) collaborate on this truly flavoursome gumbo of tunes. The first two tracks are seriously funky. Elements of the Meters, Cheyanne's Comin', the Bar-Kays, Booker T and even the J.B.s spring to mind. Not for the faint hearted, oh no. Fans of smooth Jazz (i.e. elevator music) will find this much too rough and racy and may well need smelling salts, a comfy chair and a bag of frozen petit pois on their aching and violently assaulted bonce. Goodness me, the hard guitar element in "The Swamp" has a seriously rocky element - something that the likes of Lenny White, Stanley Clarke and Lee Ritenour used to know well.

The vocal track is superb - very raw, gritty and emotion filled in a catharsistic way; the music hits us full on in a JB's late 60s / Meters / Stax vibe, "Too Much" allows vocalist Nigel Hall to allow his soulful, rough and tough vocals to take flight. Absolutely superb. The horn and Hammond filled "Backwards Jack" reminds me so much of last year's excellent New Mastersounds album. Like that? Well, then you'll like this. I particularly like the guitar line as it reminds me of what Norman Whitfield was fostering in the early-mid 1970s. A break from this heady flow is the dreamy and atmospheric "PJ's" complete with lazy beat and dreamy bluesy guitar a la Eric Gale style. Very refreshing and showing these guys in a smoother and less tough light. "Tonight" soon busts the funky groove back into your face. The scratchy funk of the JBs returns strong here and would not be out of place on a funky Kent Atlantic funk compilation. Another vocal workout that wins a thumbs up! Fans of the Meters' "Soulful Strut" will lap up the late 60s hip and trendy "Hat Trick" cut without question. I absolutely adore tracks - and albums - such as this. Check out the superb bridge on this!!!!! And, hey, it's 2009! "For Granted" also kicks ass, and the big surprise comes at the end...a version of Outkast's "Prototype". Now, if you don't know this song then PLEASE check out the original version...it's a KILLER soul track on an otherwise juvenile and brain-dead rap album! Soulive add their own flavour on this version and make a grand job. BUT...they haven't beaten the original! This is a great CD for those who love jazz and a whole lotta funk.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy on Amazon

The Whispers - Thankful - 2009 - Kingdom Records

The Whispers...one of my favourite vocal groups of all time, and Magic as one of my favourite writers / producers together again, and along with Unified Tribe come together to create a WONDERFUL gospel set that will appeal to both secular and non-secular ears. Myself, I have no truck with any faith whatsoever, and to like this set very much should give an example of how good this CD is. Musically we are in serious soul music heaven. Magic knows EXACTLY how to pair a well-crafted tune to the Whispers' unique harmonies and to Walter and Scotty's gorgeously smooth vocals. I usually shy well away from material like this as purely I find it uncomfortable to listen to, but the guys work so well on this that the subject matter becomes irrelevant. This is a great, great Whispers album which all concerned pull out all the stops to deliver to you. It's also knowing that they are cooking up a secular album for release in 2010 which really gets my juices running!

From the outset we are onto a clear no-risk disc. "Did You Know" is pure class, a typically strong traditional Whispers downtempo effort, and the following cut "For Thou Art With Me" is not as difficult for me to digest as I had thought. Such wonderful music and harmonies - these guys are craftsmen, no more no less. If you read my interview with Magic of late then you will know that the Whispers were covering Unified Tribe's gorgeous "Living Without You", this time the emphasis is different but they really do gel with this gentle, yet powerful melody. Gorgeous stuff. "One More Change" really allows Walter and Scotty to lay down their classy vocals to full effect, and the SUPERB "This Is How I Feel", complete with full live instrumentation is knock-out, it really is. Also check out the KILLER "We Need You", complete with Dexter Wansel type Philly keyboards and percussion. This is a great, great track. Please don't shy away from this album. Essential.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Buy from Amazon

Jeff Ramsey - My Best - 2009 - Jeff Ramsey

Oh, it is so, so , so great to have a full album from this phenomenal vocal talent. A collaborator with the wonderful James Day on both his Expansion releases, the mighty Jeff Ramsey really does step forward and deliver his best. This man is so powerful vocally that I personally believe that he would be more than suited to a mighty group so like the Temptations. This man possesses a strong, soulful traditional approach to singing and he does so with real conviction, power and confidence. There is no false, macho swagger here that is so prevalent with many younger bucks these days. Jeff's talent speaks for itself, no posturing necessary. The CD itself, well...track one will render the album an essential purchase, and that is a real solid track which will have you hitting the purchase button IMMEDIATELY. Fans of the soulful, sturdy sounds of Kloud 9 at their best will totally love this track and will want it in their collection for definite.

The chunky flow follows on with the vibrant "Just Let Me Love You" and the excellent stepping groove of "Move On (Back In The Day)" will not disappoint either. What I like about this set and the tone is that the beats and bass do not override the soul or the strength of the vocals...there is no jostling for your attention. The beats may underlie a toughness but the smooth and silky vocal approach calms even the most savage of beats. The awesome "I Know That You Want 2" will appeal to those of you who love the early Y2K Temptations sound, Y2K G C Cameron or even Serieux. This is solid, dependable and FUNKY. "Speechless" is an 80s vocal workout attached to a more rumbly Y2K funky groove and this works very well indeed. "I Want U More" is a real favourite of mine, a real traditional outing that will sink deeper and deeper into your subconscious. This, my dear readers, is the power of great music and a great singer! "Fly So High" is a winner, more relaxed and laid back Jeff's effortless vocals find a real home on this kind of groove. There are 2 hidden tracks on this CD...not listed on the cover. The first of these songs is a KILLER ballad and as Robbie Vincent would say, you definitely need an adult present for this song!!!!! What a great track. SUPERB. This album is essential!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe