Howard Hewett - I Commit To Love - 1986 - Elektra

Hewett is definitely one of my all time favourite vocalist with the sensitivity and ability to move people’s hearts that is just incredible! His voice is simply irresistible!

Hewett is perhaps best known as one of the originally three members of the highly successful disco band Shalamar. They were one of Solars’ most pleasing and successful acts (together with The Whispers) with their typical bubble-gum kind of stylish and joyous disco. Shalamar's songs were mainly thanks to master mind producer Leon F. Sylvers III always very catchy and easy listening and Hewett’s voice was simply the strawberry on the sweet cake.

In 1986 he left the band for a solo career. Shalamar’s music was not sprinting on the charts as earlier and in a rapidly changing music environment he felt that it was time for a new era. He became engaged with Elektra and released the debut “I Commit To Love” on that label the same year.

Hewett wrote half of the music and the rest comprised various writers like producer Ed Grenga and friend Stanley Clarke. The album quality is far from solid though with just two really enchanting melodies positioning them far beyond everything else on the album. The rest mainly includes poor pop soul efforts. And that’s a common problem for Hewett all through his solo career to find good material that could match his outstanding voice. The musical genius Stanley Clarke penned the highly enchanting hit “I’m For Real” (#2 on the US R&B chart). This tune is one of my all time favourite, It's just beyond my understanding! What a mesmerizing melody and what an entrancing song! I can hear it over and over again, sing a long, and never ever get tired. My spirit is just in total bliss and music could hardly be much better than this! The second interesting track is the captivating ”I Got To Go”. These two really shows the glow of Hewett's personality. They are the wine in a the water (the rest of the album).

Hewett got some tremendous skills and even though that is proven all the way on only two occasions the album is more than well worth buying for these two alone.

Patrik Andersson

Patriks Soul Funk Special

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Luther Ingram - Luther Ingram - 1986 - Profile

Profile was a surprising choice of label for Soul Legend, Luther Ingram, to end up on. This particular label was at the forefront of the burgeoning Hip Hop and Rap scene so a set of this nature really did seem odd indeed! Still, that didn't matter one bit. You see, we've landed back in our musical, soulful TARDIS in 1986 again and even a hardcore rap label can produce sophisticated 'candle-lit' dinner style soul music and get away with it! I wonder how many people who fought hard to get a decent copy of this on LP knew it was also available on CD in 1986? Long deleted, it's possibly not surprising that not many people have picked up on the fact that the CD had been reissued on CD a few years ago at a very inexpensive cost! Regardless of cost, the LP is worth slinging aside and replacing with CD. The two tracks I am about to highlight on here demand nothing short of top-notch quality playback.

The album itself was mostly southern orientated. No surprises there, really. I want to make you aware of the gorgeous "Right Away"which was VERY much in the classy, sophisticated adult-urban quiet storm style and today as then I can hear jazz vocalist Mark Winkler doing a great job on this song. Laid back, unhurried and almost conversational, Luther breezes through this gem with deliberate ease. I love this song to pieces and I know that you'll take it to heart, as you will the KILLER "Baby Don't Go Too Far". The dreamy synths and keys do more than justice to Luther's superb vocal skills. His Southern lilt is present here and the female backing vocalists, the Shoals Sisters - Ava Aldridge, Cindy Richardson and Myrtice Fields - are just what the doctor ordered. As good as anything the big labels were releasing, and Hush in particular, Luther Ingram blends in with the slick, 80s soul generation effortlessly. We've since lost this mighty talent, but at least we have much of his 60s, 70s and now his 80s works available on CD. Don't, I beg you, miss out on this CD a second time.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Millie Jackson - An Imitation Of Love - 1986 - Jive

1986 was a classy year, there is no two ways about it. That particular year was crammed full of quality releases, and to me 1986 was the pinnacle of well-crafted adult-orientated RnB. take this set for Jive Records for example. I remember one Sunday night listening to Robbie Vincent and along came his 'music for a candle lit dinner' segment. To hear this particular song was jaw-dropping in two distinct and definite ways. Firstly here we had the no-nonsense Millie Jackson in full clean-mouthed and non-rappin' mode and secondly the track was the best thing she had ever laid down on vinyl. I was bowled over and immediately bought the LP. Twenty-three years on "I Fell In Love" still makes the hairs on my arms stand up. Now THAT is quality that stands the test of time. In fact, I'd go as far as saying this Lady has NEVER bettered this song and that's no indictment on her talents, it's just homage to a wonderful song.

The LP also benefited from a cover of Prince's 1978 single "Wanna Be Your Lover" - a fair interpretation and well pitted against Millie's undoubted skills behind the microphone, but not as earthy or special as the original. "Love Is A Dangerous Game" is also another goodie to pick out. For such a sassy and forthright Lady I can hear the sheer joy she had in recording and performing this material. This is delivered with a BIG smile and Millie is one Lady with one big smile. The single, "Hot! Wild! Unrestricted! Crazy Love" made some impact here in the UK, and established Millie on a new path following the ending on her career with Spring. Jive was quite a perky little label in the 1980s and very early 1990s and "An Imitation Of Love" was made in the spirit of that label at that particular time. If you have only heard this Lady at her most ferocious, her most raucous and firebrand then this set will be like cold ointment on a bad sunburn. To me the album IS the "I Fell In Love" track, and to this day I cannot rate the song highly enough.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Beau Williams - No More Tears - 1986 - Capitol

Like Barry Towler said about Kazu Matsui's album "Is That The Way To Your Heart" being that very extra close to his heart I say the same about Beau Williams album "No more tears". Although I can only say that about two tracks, as the album is very inconsistent in quality. But on these two Beau delivers a heart aching soul from heaven totally impossible to resist. Born in a religious and musical family in Houston, TX, Williams became a part of the rich Gospel tradition laying the musical fundament of his life that after a commercial detour brought him back to his roots in 90s. The album "No more tears" is from his commercial era on Capitol and was released in 1986.

The start is just stunning. The today classic soul dance gem "All because of you" just got it all. Williams powerful and sensitive voice leaves no one untouched. Next, "Been too long", a typical 80s track that really catches the feeling from back then. Let's skip the following two and focus on "Give me up" instead, yet another dance floor aimed track. My God! To be honest I cried like a baby when I heard this one for the first time (too many memories I guess) and that say a lot of this tune, as I usually don't cry often! Once again Williams song creates the entire experience and even though the music is great it is the voice that is completely mind blowing. It's just a fantastic achievement and one of the best tracks I ever heard and the obvious highlight on the album. The rest is descent stuff but Beau Williams did not after all release an all through solid album so let's leave them behind as well. Find the two and bring them to your heart and you'll see, SOUL!

Patrik Andersson

Patriks Soul Funk Special

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Vision - Exposed - 1986 - Wilbe Records

If any album was screaming for reissue on CD it would be this. Released in the fall of 1986, Vision comprise of Brandon McLaughlin and Leni Law. Produced by veteran Stax supremo Willam Bell and associate Albert Burroughs. For me 1986 was a classic year for soul music and was the final year that it remained unadulterated by faddish trends and brash culture. The black music scene was vibrant with a wealth of quality dance and ballad cuts all from proper artists on major labels, and if a track was to sum up all that was classy in 1986 it would, without a doubt, be "The Seduction". If not, it's surely one hell of a contender! When I first heard it I was frozen to the radio. Such a sensual, romantic, erotic, passionate and sexy song! An instrumental which acts as a melodic backdrop to a couple (I assume! Who knows, and why not!) making passionate love. Yes, the concept sounds trite, corny and whatever BUT it is none of these things. It is, in fact, so gorgeous and spine-tingling a track that it still gets me each and every time I play it today.

The guys are great vocalists too, and they also perform the instrumentation so when they lay open the gorgeous track that is "Do It Tonight" they are completely in control. Vocally, they sound remarkably like Lakeside or someone similar. In other words, excellent. The sexy and synthy "Private Passion" takes a lot of beating too, and was another strong feature on radio back when some sanity reigned. Although on a small, independent label, the quality of these songs are up there with the big boys and who can ever wonder with the likes of William Bell in the building?! Some cuts were very poppy, and the cover of "Where Did Our Love Go" easily skipped over, but the album is mandatory for the three tracks highlighted. With the right company, the lights down low (and in my case a dozen paper bags over my head) and "The Seduction" playing you cannot fail...

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Jeff Lorber - Private Passion - 1986 - Warner Brothers

Having just written about Ronnie Laws' superb "Mirror Town" album, this inevitably led me to reviewwing the contemporary album by Jeff Lorber, "Private Passion". Jeff was a real favourite of mine, prior to the smooth jazz implosion, and you used to be able to depend on Jeff for a quality uptempo soulful tune or ballad fronted by a seriously talented singer. This album was, for me, the last great album from this man, and both vocals and instrumentals really get equal top-billing. This set from late 1986 brough to our attention a wonderful singer - then a newcomer - called Karyn White, as well as showcasing Tower Of Power's excellent Michael Jeffries. Both singers would go on to record solo projects with Warner Brothers, Karyn having the greatest success, and it was a pity that Michael's set was particularly weak and did not bank on his excellent vocals, instead trying to cash in on the fad that was New jack Swing.

Of the vocals, the leading single release was the chuny, funky and synthy "Facts Of Love", a track that went down a real storm on Robbie Vincent's Radio 1 show, and clubs up and down the country. Thgis is exactly what I loved about the 1980s - soulful vocals married to an infectious and upbeat joyous groove. You cannot beat it. Yes, this is a choon indeed! More downtempo is the fine duet between Karyn and Michael called "Back In Love" - a blinding cut, this and one that I still dig out from time to time. For me, one of Michael's finest moments comes with the jubilant "Keep On Lovin' Her" - a truly feel-good song, yet with quite rueful lyrics. The theme is of a loveblind, used and put-down guy. Relationships, eh?! The instrumentals of note, for me at least, include the beautiful "Kristen" and the fun "Midnight Snack". Truly fine examples of Jeff in the 1980s. Hopefully Jeff will return to these styles in the near future, and if so I will be waving a banner for him! Released in the US on Warner Brothers, and in the UK on Club this has recently enjoyed a CD reissue on the excellent Wounded Bird imprint. Now you can enjoy this at a reasonable price on CD.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Ronnie Laws - Mirror Town - 1986 - Columbia

This 1986 effort for Columbia is well worth seeking out. An album of distinctive halves, Side 1 was clearly the side to be given much attention, whereas the flipside seemed a whole lot weaker. Very strange. However, the four tracks I highlight here are of the highest calibre and rank amongs some of the finest work that Ronnie produced in the 1980s. Sister Debra Laws makes various appearances on vocal duties, and co-production is from the one and only Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire fame. The likes of old favourites Paulinho Da Costa and Jeff Lorber also put in a solid performance, the latter's most jaunty keyboard style ever so apparent. Some may have looked to this album and compared it with his Liberty releases and rejected it due to the very programmed nature of this particular set BUT even though that is a truism nothing can detract that this album is classy.

From the offset I was in love with this album. I was seconds into "Come To Me" and had already been won over. I sit here 23 years after release feeling exactly the same magic about it now as I did on the day of release. A magnificent track with Ronnie giving spectacular performances both vocally and on sax, and Debra Laws ghosting his vocals in a mighty fine fashion also. This is, ultimately, a cool track and worth seeking out for this alone. "Misled" has a darker, more lowdown feel and Paulinho Da Costa adds to the electronic mix with some nice percussion. Larry Dunn adds some very flavoursome synth work here. Jeff Lorber is so, so obviously at the forefront of "Tell Me" - a track that would fit in very well on his brilliant, brilliant "Private Passion" album from the same time. The vocals and sax, again, are second to none. Very distinctive in both cirles is our Ronnie! My final pick is the irresistable and quirky "Mirror Town". The tapping beats, deep moog and see-saw synth along with Ronnie's breathy vocals and Debra's sneaky refrains make this a real gem. "Mirror Town" was available for a while on CD, so keep an eye out!

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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Isabelle Antena - En Cavale 1986 - Les Disques Des Crepuscule

With well over ten releases under her belt, Belgian jazz songstress Isabelle Antena is what I call a hidden gem. I have chosen this particular album as it has recently been reissued on CD but to little fanfare or acknowledgement. This needs rebalancing right away, and if you were an avid listener of Robbie Vincent's superb Radio 1 show back in the 80s then you will be more than aware of this Lady and this album. I write this on a perfect, hot, summers day and the mood is just right for the Latin jazzy vibes that this Lady excels. This CD is lovely, recorded in the UK in 1986 with the likes of Cam'elle Hinds backing her up, “En Cavale” is as hot property today as it was when released in the Summer of 1986. Originally intended for Mercury Records in the UK, the 2 year effort ended up with the chic Belgian record label Les Disques Du Crepiscule and the rest is, as they say...thankfully the chance to replace the worn-out vinyl, or, become acquainted with the Lady for the first time is now open to you. If you don't know the set, then check this out.

The album opener is a blinding jazzy interpretation of Sister Sledge's “Easy Street”. The superb samba flavour with soulful sax and acoustic strumming is the real deal. The track oozes classy, chic and relates a sexier, European Chic to an already firm favourite. The first single lifted was the wonderful “Seaside Weekend” which was a big hit in Belgium! The gentle lapping of the sea and the compulsive, Brazilian rhythm draws you in, gets under your skin and presses, for me at least, all the right buttons. On a day such as today, happiness flows. What more can I say? The uptempo mood is replaced by a more brooding song complete with bass, vibes and pensive chords. “Ten Minutes” is beautifully written, and the lyrics, anxious though they may be, do nothing but relax you due to the sheer warmth, intimacy and luxuriance. The upbeat “Play Back” is sheer JOY. The Samba rhythm and the Benelux lilt are far from diverse bedfellows! This Lady is so sexy it hurts and her natural ability to find a natural home within the almost carnal rhythm is exciting. A bonus track on the CD issue (mine is the 1986 original BUT it's also on the reissue) is “Naughty Naughty” which is more soulful than jazzy and it's summery, playful vibe speaks of the flowering of sexual attraction and the excitement of new intimacies...fail to be moved by this then book your self a plot in the local cemetery! LOL.

Barry Towler,

The Vibe Scribe

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