Sean Oliver - Solitaire - 1997 - Boomtang

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!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Billy Porter - Untitled - 1997 - DV8

As a debut set, “Untitled” by Billy Porter was extremely strong, and is situated firmly in the more traditional and quality soul mode than many of the more urban releases that were – and still are – filling the shelves in the late 1990s. This is a set that one could have expected from the late '80s or the early '90s. The guy himself has a very strong voice that he employs with good effect. It's a shame that we have not yet had a follow-up album, but Billy can be heard adding vocals to a classy Garage tune now and again. And this is equally as good for me. “Untitled” is an extremely consistent set, and starts in a really strong manner with his faithful cover of Glenn Jones' 1984 classic from “Finesse”, Show Me. The music here is all-real, filled with live instruments, and does the record a great service. I have too many favourites to actually describe the whole album, but I'll pinpoint a few cream cuts so that you can get a better overall picture.

The funky, slap-bass guitar filled “I'll Do Anything is as good as anything you will hear in the late 1990s, and complements Billy's vocal talents perfectly. My favourite song on here is the brilliant “For Your Love”, a track that makes use of proper musicians, real instruments and soulful singing. Unlike most new male artists at the time, Billy neither has to shout, whine, dress like a clown or use risqué or suggestive lyrics to make his mark - his talent and the quality production and material are more than adequate. Check out the gorgeously delicate “Maybe I'm Amazed” and you'll be in no doubt about the calibre of this new young artist. The CD closes on a real quality moment: “Untitled” is the type of slow tune that we could have expected from Michael Wycoff on his “Love Conquers All” set, the warm Fender Rhodes and the vocal phrasing just ooze a timeless classy feel. This album and this artist falls into the 'sophistisoul' category without a doubt. Essential.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Bernard Oattes - Rules Of My Heart - 1997 - Countdown

This CD came 5 years after his SUPERB "Frame By Frame" album in 1992, and is to date his third, and latest release. For me this was equally as essential as the previous sets. Bernard, as you may know hails from the Netherlands, and was schooled in England. His history is interesting - after leaving school he joined a local Dutch band called Steam. He later teamed up with , and later he teamed up with writer and producer Rob Van Schailk and founded dance group The Limit. Various hits followed and in the early 90s Bernard released his debut Solo CD. A pity we have not heard from this talent for over a decade, and if you check this album out you will also wonder where he is and what he's up to! Bernard has a penchant for jazzy flavours with a twist of soul. A Maestro on keyboards and drums, Bernard Oattes has a fine voice too and he deploys it here on the title song of the CD. The song comes in vocal and instrumental versions, so you takes yer money and you takes yer choice, really.

Kees Ten Dam (aka KTD) supplies beautiful alto sax, and the legendary Peter White throws his awesome guitar skills into the process. There's also trumpet and flugelhorn for those, like me, who cannot get enough of it. The vocal version of "Rules Of My Heart" was an instant success for me. An exceptionally haunting track, the lyrics are superb and intelligent and the eerie synth is a constant companion here. I cannot get enough of songs like this, and you can trust this gentleman to deliver them. If "Frame By Frame" was your bag then you will appreciate this. Enough said. "Closing In On You" is a cool number, programmed but laced with muted trumpet and vibes, the enigmatic Dedre Twis adds her backing vocals. Very nice. This too comes in an instrumental guise. Fans of quality jazzy instrumentals will take to "Soaring", complete with Peter White and some lovey Gary Taylor-like synths. Great stuff. "Twilight Love" is another vocal effort of note and should satisfy fans of soulful 90s jazz. The phrasing of the chorus would actually suit Sade very well - it's a livelier take on her style, I suppose, on "No Ordinary Love". Recommended.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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