Donald Sheffey - Between You And I - 2011

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

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

Barry Towler

The Vibe scribe

Donald Sheffey - See You Tonight - 2009 - Weezie

A mere year after the highly acclaimed "Let's Be Lovers" album, Mr. Donald Sheffey hits us with his follow-up album, "See You Tonight", which is equally as tasty as before. Donald Sure is, as his CD Baby bio rightly says giving music back to the people. Donald is one of those rare commodities in the music world these days - young, gifted and unfettered by the negativity and diktats of the major label conglomeration. And doing things his own way is not doing this gentleman any injustice either. Vocally, as I said before, I hear elements of Randy Wilson and The Brothers Johnson, and the music on which the vocals partner up is smooth, soulful, real and exactly what us connoisseurs want to hear. I don't care what some people say, there is definitely a market for this material. The problem has been that the market has been controlled and channelled by those unsympathetic and ignorant to real music. I hope that artists such as Donald carve their own niche and profligate their music far and wide. This CD has the ability to do this, a buoyant mixture of ballads, midtempo numbers and steppers to give any ear enough variety.

A ballad to get the juices flowing is the soulful, yet jazz tinged, "My Heart", complete with real instruments including my favourites sax and flute, this is a warm opening song perfectly suited to the dark, dank days where we need to light the candles, draw the curtains and snuggle up. More programmed but no less impressive is the radio friendly and catchy "I'll Be Here" and there is also the excellent uptempo slightly Salsoul number "Tonight" which has the overtones of a classy Wil Wheaton number. I also appreciate the early 90s sounding thumper "I Don't Want You Back". This had me thinking of, say, Mass Order or Ten City during their Columbia period. Very moreish indeed! The melodic "Waiting" will not disappoint, and the yearning lyrics can and will be felt by those of you who harbour a loving feeling for anyone. The CLASSIC sounding "On My Mind" will certainly wow you. This is a melody that will haunt and has every indication of a Norman Connors influence a la his "This Is Your Life" album. Talking of influences, Will Downing springs to mind with the gloriously vivacious "Let's Go Away". So, Donald comes up trumps again and again...please check out all of his albums as all have more than their fair share of moments and this gentleman knows how to shine.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Donald Sheffey - Let's Be Lovers - 2008

This album is a very worthwhile effort out of New York, and the styles are nicely varied making this an inspiring, fresh and lively listening experience. For example, if you love the warm balladry and quivery style of The Brothers Johnson, or even Keni Stevens then this CD is for you! Also, if you love the more uptempo soul / house flavours of Paul Simpson or Richard Rogers you will also be happy! To me, this is a very healthy balance and one that a lot of R&B sets today cannot or will not accommodate. Please let me introduce you to the superb Donald Sheffey and what better than the opening song, “Just Because”. This oozes the Brothers Johnson vocal style with the ghost of Michael Henderson's phrasing thrown in for good measure...with real instrumentation too, this is a classy little number. Track two, “Sweet Heart” has a faster pulse and a pulsating rhythm more suited to the dancefloor. The late Salsoul beat and synth are retro yet still oddly in tune with today's sounds...the backing vocals are largely dominated by a Paul Simpson / CeCe Rogers / Richard Rogers touch which adds quality. Creating a sonic bell-curve, the tempo drops again for the lovely, subtle and bassy Keni Stevens styles number “My Love”. In fact, I could imagine the likes of Chris Ballin taking to a song like this.

I was surprised, and delighted, to hear Donald cover a lesser-known but yet essential Philly recording of the late, great Phyllis Hyman, “I'm Truly Yours”. Musically this is very, very similar and a great job has been done on it. “Let's Be Lovers” is a sheer delight, and the Johnson vocals are back to the foreground and the gentle, almost too distant harp in the background adds depth, balanced between some great live drumming and synth. “At The Party” is more of a stepping groove, and although starts off a bit cheesy and shaky the groove becomes more substantial very quickly and soon develops into a first-rate midtempo groove. More immediate is the winner “Don't Throw Our Love Away” which utilises some tasty keyboards oft-used in today's vibrant garage / house scene – think Harley & Muscle or Tortured Soul etc. The bassline is slave to the funky, soulful deep house synth and the tapping hi-hat keeps the whole affair in check. I feel that Donald may have needed to have been a bit more forthright or gruffer in his vocal approach...this groove needs the likes of Colonel Abrams, CeCe Rogers or even David Ruffin Jr and would give it more credence. I also like the completely chilled “Fly Away” which opens with piano, then hits in with an 80s drum machine flavour, mainly as it allows Donald to shine vocally. All in all, a nicely balanced set with a few nice surprises.

Barry Towler