Most people who think of the Dazz Band and immediately think about the freaky funk of “Let It All Blow” or “Let It Whip” and tend to overlook the more soulful ballads that Reggie Andrews produced in the 1980s. The Dazz Band have created some of the best slow jams in the 1980s and with the mighty horn section and lead vocals arranged by Bobby Harris and Skip Martin few could match their passion, sensitivity and unique style. Skip Martin is one of my favourite vocalists. He has a really distinctive voice and although he doesn't belt out a song, growl or shatter glass he quivers with real passion and his style was beautifully matched to the era of lush arrangements and real melodic, sensuous grooves. “Keep It Live” was released on Motown in 1982 and is well known for their chart topping “Let It Whip”, which is still a goody, and a staple inclusion on many a funk collection to this day, but for me it is the ballads that are the true heart of this album. “Gamble With My Love” is a great mid tempo shuffler in the vein of their 20th Century work under the name of Kinsman Dazz. Lively with a tight horn arrangement and sweetened with strings, sexy sax and Skip Martin's unparalleled lead vocals this song is a real vote-winner. The heart-wrenching strings that envelope “I'll Keep On Loving You” create a real aura and the guys provide a sweet, sweet vocal harmony that is hard to ignore. I have played this song over and over again. Songs like this are sorely overlooked and what a crime it is! Just stop and listen to the album's premier track, “Just Believe In Love” and allow the bass line, dreamy 80s keys and expansive keys to send you to soul heaven. One of my favourite tracks from the group and the 1980s period. It is painful to think that Motown will probably never make music like this again, let alone bother reissuing it on CD but we live in hope!
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
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