Oh to be back in 1986. What a great year that was! Fresh from his dancefloor hits on London records and his collaboration with BB&Q, Atlantic released this fresh, midtempo orientated album from to much critical acclaim on both sides of the pond. The same acclaim can be offered here, and it's sad to think that this gentleman passed away so young and is no longer able to give us any new music, as current trends would have fitted in perfectly with his vocal style. East-West records in Japan reissued this set on CD in the late 90s, and it disappeared as soon as it was released, so the CD is now very scarce indeed! Fans of the circular plastic need not fret though. But what of the music? The album hits the ground running with the smooth, midtempo saxy “Chillin' Out” which is a track that perfectly encapsulates THAT gorgeous mid '80s soul / dance sound. Perfect enough, but this is also true of the eerie "Mtume"-ish ballad, “(You're My) Shining Star”...I play this particular cut to death – please spare a thought for my neighbours! Check out “Hold On (For Me)”, a funky rattler with slap guitar and quirky keyboards. Treading this very welcome path is the uplifting “Take Charge” which could easily be a BB&Q Band cut. There's the merest ghost of “ricochet” in the bassline, I feel. The absolute, hands down, no nonsense KILLER is the Solar sounding “The Morning After” which is just sublime, and could easily have been from the pen of the Calloway Brothers. Such a euphoric, soulful and attention grabbing track. This has always been a sound and firm favourite in this household. The track suffered from a dreadful remix for 12" back in '87, and a listen, however brief to this will sort the boys from the men.
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
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