Modern Musings – Grooves from the Modern Side with Mark Randle – October 2003

(These reviews appear first in Soul Up North, available from Howard Earnshaw, 19 Rectory Drive, Kirkheaton 44 1484 535999 £2 per issue – email soulupnorthhfe@aol.com – web www.soulupnorth.org - Big thanks to Howard and all at Soul Up North for letting me feature this)

Barrington All cuts (US UgoBo CD “Best Kept Secret”)

This is being touted in some quarters as a landmark album, as important as say, Keith Washington’s debut set from the early 90’s. I don’t think that’s too much of an over statement, and the fact that comparison is drawn to our Keith is quite appropriate. Whilst Barrington Scott-Henderson (known to his mates at the bar as ‘Bo’) is not too dissimilar vocally, it’s the similarity of some of the material and arrangements that struck me. My favourite cut, “Makin’ Love” could have been from the same session as anything on “Make Time For Love”. This is absolutely awesome soul music. One time (current?) member of the Temptations, Barrington also manages to conjure up thoughts of Phil Perry (what a recommendation!!), which demonstrates his vocal range nicely. “Sorry” really has that PP feel to it, just beautiful. The big dancer is “Touch Me”, again with Perry like vocals. I really can’t believe that people mention this cut though at the expense of the aforementioned two……….days of dance floor obsession perhaps???…….no-where near the other two cuts on the ol’ soul-o-meter I’m afraid, but great none the less. And, how can something this good remain on a US indie label? Acquire at any cost.

Jimmy Sommers feat. Rahsaan Patterson What Am I Gonna Do? (US Higher Octane Jazz CD “Lovelife”)

A wonderful, mid-paced, sure-fire dance floor winner, or a 7+ minute up-tempo DJ Spinna mixed soulful house workout. The choice is yours. Depends how energetic you fell I guess. Brings some degree of value for money to a “smooth jazz album with token soul vocal cut” though I suppose. Anyway, it’s Rahsaan Patterson so you know you’re gonna need it folks!

Myron/Rosie Gaines Free/I Can’t Get You Outta My Mind (US Hidden Beach CD “Hidden Hits Vol. 1”)

A real mixture of styles here, with straight up soul, through to hip-hop. As the title suggests, I believe that this material has not had a release elsewhere. Much talked about for the hidden (no pun intended, it’s true!) Rosie Gaines cut “I Can’t Get You Outta My Mind”, with Rosie in a jazzy vocal style on top of a dance floor friendly loping groove. I personally prefer the wonderful bass popping “Free”, from Myron, with it’s great chord changes and melody. It’s a bit less one-dimensional than the Rosie cut. It’s essential really for these cuts, but check also decent cuts from Kipper Jones and Quinn.

Larry Gold Most cuts (Euro BBE CD “…..presents Don Cello and Friends”)

This is an interesting album from Philadelphia/MFSB hero Larry Gold, who has taken some seasoned and some new talent, and under the guise Don Cello put together what is in the main a quality selection of songs. Amongst the highlights are the stylish and under utilised Carol Riddick on the mid-tempo string-laden “Loving You”, the quirky, little girl lost feel of Nanda “Feels So Good”, and the punchy, rim-shot shuffle of “Nothin’” with jazzy vocals courtesy of Jaguar Wright. Bunny Sigler, Cristal Oliver and Kindred also contribute more than their share of talent to this Phila-fest of soul. Could well be one of the years strongest various artist sets.

Ann Nesby Make Me Better (US It’s Time Child CD “Make Me Better”)

Not up to the usual Ann Nesby standard, it has to be said. Here she has followed the urban gospel route, which won’t particularly suit readers of these pages. But, she’s still in fine voice, and I’m sure she does have bills to pay, so you can’t blame her for widening her fan base so long as there is something on the album for us. The title cut “Make Me Better” fits the bill, a nice dancer reminding me of Darwin Hobbs “Unexplainable”. And for the soulful dance heads, her recent collaboration with Baltimore’s Jasper St. Co. “Can’t Stop Praising His Name” is also included. The down tempo “Giving All My Love” shows off Ann’s voice a real treat. So, I think there are enough reasons to buy this album…………..we are talking Ann Nesby, after all………we are not worthy!! Cheeky use of “Thrill Me” on the cut “Thank You” though!

Miss Me feat. Jiney & Mizzy Surprise Me (Part 2) (French Brique Rouge 12”)

I know, I know………you’d never look at it twice with an artist named Miss Me featuring Jiney and Mizzy, but ignore this at your peril. What we have here is a slamming piece of US-styled soulful house music of the highest order. You’d also be excused leaving it in the racks if you didn’t persevere past the weak opening section, with its repetitive chants that I really can’t stomach. But when the music pauses and then the key stabs arrive you’re well on your way to soulful dance heaven. A popping bass-line and effective synth work move this along, with shared male/female leads on top, this really is unmissable. These days, you really can’t afford to ignore the music coming out of Europe, a good example would be the kind of quality we’ve been given by labels like KIF. It’s Ludovic Lorca’s NYC late walk mix that does the business here. It surprised me!!

Kenny Thomas Crazy World (UK SuSu 12”)

After what seems like an eternity, this cut finally hit the streets around two months ago. Some say it’s played out, and I must confess to being a little bemused at the length of time between initial spins via CD-R and bona-fide street release. However, it is a good record and the demand for it is still high, so Mr Rushton clearly knew what he was at. No need to waste column inches really as you’ll all know it I’m sure. I just wanted to remind you that it is now available, as the 12” proclaims “limited edition” status, and SuSu vinyl does generally seem a little elusive.

Anthony Hamilton All cuts (US CD album sampler “Comin’ From Where I’m From”)

It seems like it’s probably third time lucky for Anthony Hamilton, and deservedly so. After a shelved album “XTC” with MCA in 1997, via a fruitless spell with Soulife/Atlantic, Hamilton now finds himself hooked up with So So Def records, and I really think this album is going to happen. We have five cuts here, opening with the lead single and mid-tempo snare-driven title track “Comin’ From Where I’m From” the wonderful “Float” (check that vocal phrasing….fantastic) and the much talked about duet with LaToiya Williams, “My First Love”, I think this guy is finally going to get the recognition he deserves. This promo sampler is one of my favourite plays at the moment, having blown me away immediately……….this guy’s voice and style is superb. Step forward Anthony Hamilton, your time is due. Stunningly brilliant and I can’t wait for the full album to drop.

Marvin Gaye Project feat Bobby Depasois Music Feel The Soul (UK Choons Inc 12”)

Like the recent Kenny Thomas 12”, this cut has been tearing up the dance floor at venues like Prestwich for a year or more via CD-R, and is now available for all. This is a re-working of Marvin’s “Turn On Some Music” from the “Midnight Love” album from 1982, which spawned the chart hit “Sexual Healing”. Production is courtesy of Andy “Madhatter” Holmes, and it’s his trademark sound really, sparse, bass heavy construction, similar in feel to his work with ex-Kleer main man Woody Cunningham if you remember that. Very cleverly done and I reckon’ Marvin would approve of this in today’s marketplace.

Impromp2 All cuts (US Big 3 CD “The Definition Of Love”)

Sean E. Mac and Johnny Britt deliver their third set after a couple of fine albums for MoJazz. If you haven’t picked those up then they are a must have. Their trademark mellow and mid-tempo dreamy grooves and that understated jazzy feel are in abundance here. Particular highlights for me include “All The Woman” and “Without You” which both should fill floors at the more educated venues. For those horizontal moments check the sublime “I’ll Do Whatever” or “Is It Cool?” and for one of those thoughtful reflective moments “When Will Things Change” comes over all Marvin-esque in style and sentiment. Just check the female “oohhhhs” part way through if you need convincing. Even the riff-ridden funk and part-spoken word of the title track can’t fail to impress. Yes, you get the message, it’s all quality tackle as you’d expect from these guys, and it does help having the production assistance of Steve Harvey out of his Scotland Yard Studios in Malibu. As essential as anything on these pages.

Tower Of Power Nothing Like It/Could’ve Done It Better/Happy ‘Bout That (Euro SPV CD “The Oakland Zone”)

I held off reviewing this last time round, when I learnt that the US import copy I had only contained two out of three killer cuts to be found on the European version. Muggins has now been out and acquired said Euro copy, so now I’ll tell you about it!! The cut’s in question all have an old school feel, which makes it’s appeal far reaching, garnering support from the stiffest upper lip of traditionalism to the more hip-swinging cats at your local dance. The things that TOP has in their favour are their wealth of experience and the fact that they are a decent sized outfit, utilising proper instruments. This was borne out on their last album, with “It Really Doesn’t Matter” maintaining classic status, and in a more 70’s style this time, these cuts will receive similar acclaim. The Euro bonus cut, “Nothing Like It”, is the killer cut for me, with it’s good-time feel, simply exclaiming “there’s nothing like being in love”……..the 70’s crossover boys will lap this up.

Nikos feat. Tracy Carter Bread Of Heaven (US Under My Skin 12”*)

From future cult label from West coast USA, Under My Skin records, this is the fifth release and follows nicely the superb “Yes Lord” by Kurt Lykes (UMS-003) from earlier this year. This is another gospel based soulful house workout and is deep, deep, deep. Featuring the male vocal of Tracy (no e!!) Carter, simple in it’s construction and with a haunting feel, the chorus/hook line has been going round in my head for two weeks now and shows no sign of letting up……..”I thank you Lord for putting Your arms around me……I thank you so much just for setting me free….”, just great stuff and a classic of this genre for the future. Collectors note that not only is the music good, but the cover artwork on Under My Skin releases is superb……check also Nikos & Lamech “Nu Spirituals EP” (UMS-004) and you’ll see what I mean.

Johnnie Taylor Most cuts (US Malaco CD “There’s No Good In Goodbye”)

The latest Johnnie Taylor CD on Malaco is clearly not newly recorded material, as we are all aware of his sad passing in 2000. These cuts are culled from unreleased material from his sessions over those Malaco years of 1984-2000. The first comment that springs to mind is, just how did some of these songs remain unreleased? We have 15 previously unheard numbers, plus one re-work/alternate take. Some of the cuts are maybe a little bluesy for some readers, but check out the typical Taylor of “This Is The Night For Makin’ Up”, “If You’re Lookin’ For A Fool” or “To Wise To Be Your Fool” and his great version of the dancer “I’m In A Midnight Mood”. Classic REAL soul music from a legendary performer.

Soul Planet Jazz Ensemble Sugar, Darlin’, Baby (US Soul Planet 12”)

The third and probably best release from the Soul Planet Jazz Ensemble sees them in what you might term a jazz-funk mode. A real bubbling, wicked bass-line and tight percussion propels this along with some great sax and flute breaks and a Kenny Bobien like vocal (but not as good as our Kenny, I have to admit!) on top. This group/label seem to come up with the goods every time and if you haven’t picked up any of the three recent 12”’s, I suggest you initiate yourself with this one. A severe bout of back buying will soon ensue!!

I’ll briefly mention other things worth looking out for, the Blaze “Spiritually Speaking” US CD for the extra tracks and compilation of old Blaze cuts for those that don’t have them already, the Dino & Terry 12” on Canadian Crash, the Carl Thomas 12” sampling Surface “Happy” and more real soul from Lil’ Jimmie with “Hold On” from his “I Got Your Back” set for US Butlers and hot off the press (well, through my letterbox!) Marzette Griffiths great set “Are You Going My Way?” particularly for the monster dancer “Coming Back For More”.

Cheers Mark

Visitors: