Masterpiece was a landmark album for the Isley Brothers. For the first time since 1973 they were back down to a trio, it was their first of many Warner Brothers albums, and, sadly, it was the final album to feature O'Kelly Isley. The album took a more comfortable and relaxed approach that their previous sets which was very much controlled by the brilliant Chris Jasper. This album is absolutely brilliant and released in the Autumn of 1985 it always reminds me of the falling leaves and colder, darker evenings. The sheer warmth of the album heralds plenty of warm feeling and I cannot commend it enough. You may be lucky enough to catch this on CD as it was released in Japan a few years ago, and in any case it's now available on iTunes! Robert Brookins is the keyboard maestro on the dramatic “May I”, filling in between his Afterbach work and his début 1987 album, “In The Night” for MCA in 1987. A stupendous track, and following it is a classy, classy effort called “My Best Was Good Enough”. Nothing these guys has recorded since has measured up to this album. Their new releases have their moments but this is quality soul music of the highest standard possible. My next choice is one that may take a few readers back, but to me it is the Isley Brothers at their Quiet Storm best. Ronald would only replicate this high standard in 2003 with his collaboration with Burt Bacharach. The guys cover Phil Collins' “If Leaving Me Is Easy” and they completely reinvent it, wiping the floor with the original and showing everyone who has the greater handle on the track. Ron ad-libs, the orchestra is lush and the delivery is passionate and very emotional. Give it a chance...a dry eye may not be possible. Beautiful. “Colder Are My Nights” is a great number and the most uptempo cut here – released on 12” too here in the UK. A stunning track and one of their best. Robert Brookins penned the awesome “Come To Me” too – a very atmospheric song with some delicious orchestration and keys...no-one can dispute the beauty here. We have a full string section here and you cannot beat it. Ronald Isley is a God-given talent and it is on melodies like these, and not the juvenile R&B ramblings as the ridiculous Mr. Biggs that he succeeds. You cannot compare the two. A quality album from 1985. Essential and timeless.
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
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