This SUPERB CD out of Toronto, Canada, was very popular here in the UK, an went down a storm on Jazz FM at the time. This Canadian native has more than enough soul in his bones, and taking a listen to this CD will not take you too long to see why us Brits got rather hot about this 1997 release. This intrigued me slightly, I guess, because as far as our music goes I suppose that it is what I would call 'a step to the left' in terms of musical style. By this I mean that it is an unusual yet delightful mix of musical styles ranging from soul, garage, jazz and swingbeat...all blended together! This is well summed up by the lyrics of “Can I Flow” which are quite different in style. This isn't a bad thing at all as you will admit to giving a listen to the soulful and synth drenched “Solitaire”. It just has that tinge of 'difference' about it which is really fresh.
From this we swing into some good-time soulful funky tune with 'These Are The Days'' As a vocalist, I would liken him to fellow 90s indi artist, Ruscola. The feel of “You And Me” is a fantastic fusion of early garage in the style of Richard Rogers' “I Can't Stop Loving You” and also a smidgen of 70s Salsoul thrown in for good measure. Indeed, “Magic” is very similar indeed and owes more to Mr. Fingers a la his 1994 CD release, “Back To Love” as well as the keyboard riff from Michaeol Wycoff's "Looking Up To You" being used for inspiration. Superb, I assure you! Uptempo tracks such as “Need To Be Alone” really are ones that weedle their way into your head and stay there. For ballads, check out the more-ish “Sweetest Goodbye” which has the ghost of a 90s R Kelly cum Isley Brothers flavour to it. A jazzy moment is on offer with “Driftin'” complete with female co-vocal and keyboards that Lonnie Liston Smith would have used back in the 70s. This CD is a very safe bet, and available in limited quantities from good old Amazon!
The Vibe Scribe
Buy from Amazon
