There are a few songbirds that I appreciate more than others like Anita Baker and Sade. Another highly interesting name is Tawatha Agee. This time I’m gonna have a look on her and only album “Welcome to my dream”. Tawatha is one on the most in demand vocalists that been working with such great acts like Roy Ayers, Phyllis Hyman, Tashan and Celine Dion. She is however best known for being the attractive and very competent female lead singer of classic soul funk band Mtume. When legendary James Mtume disappointed over the more and more commercialised music industry decided to end the saga of the band after the 1986 release “Theater of the mind“ (where he criticized the industry) fans couldn’t believe it. But only one year later the band stood united behind Tawatha and her solo debut. In almost every aspect this was a new Mtume album despite another name. James Mtume holds Tawatha passionately on the back cover in the same way he holds all the threads holding this project up. Even though the set didn't quite lift itself over the average as it sadly has few good tracks Tawatha had the opportunity to show her potential. Her immensely sensual, passionate and strong, yet spiritually founded voice leaves no one untouched. Her voice is a mystery, almost as she holds something back, still, everything is there, if you just let go…This is especially present on the breathtaking and highly emotional “Welcome to my dream (tears of joy)”, the by far most amazing song on this album.
Otherwise the album is a mixed bag. On side A the audience first meet "Thigh ride" written by James and Tawatha with so much similarities to Mtume. The track is a splendid mid tempo "sophisti-funk" creation, a name that James started to use in the mid 80s. Also sweet and dreamy "Did I dream you" (with a pre-Babyface sound) and bouncy "Love shine" are both well worth some attention. The following couple of tracks are weak pop funk pieces besides the already mentioned “Welcome to my dream (tears of joy)”. It is when the refreshing and hopeful “The waiting’s over” plays on the B-side that the glow really feels alive again with a thick, heavy funk pattern leading way. Do I have to say that Tawatha is stunning here! She ends the album in the best of ways with the powerful and sassy ballad “No more tears”; a gospel-flavoured gem that spell binds your soul. Even the sax solo by ex. Change member Vincent Henry is irresistibly mesmerizing!
This album is both for Mtume fans and connoisseurs of splendid vocals despite the variations in quality in the penned material. Tawatha’s song effort may also vary in quality somewhat but in most cases she delivers so strongly and convincingly so that can easily be pardon. It’s just a pity she never had a second chance with even better material!
Patrik Andersson
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