OLD-SCHOOL R&B/SOUL

Straight-forward and faithful covers of a dozen songs by Bill Withers. Many of these tunes are quite well known; big hits mainly from the 1970s. Jose James has a good, strong singing voice, and the record is full of strong performances throughout, well worth a spin. But it’s no real improvement on the originals. (Do go listen to Bill Withers right away if you haven’t.) Accompanied by guitar, bass & drums, horns, keys.

No FCC issues

1 Mid-slow. Gentle & soulful. Nice, jazzy bridge on electric piano. (3:18)
2 Slow; actually a bit plodding. ‘comped by organ, piano, bass & drums. (4:13)
3 * Mid-tempo. Excellent male-female vocal duet. Kind of jazzy. (4:17)
4 Mid-slow, stately. Good vocal. Nice piano bridge. (5:00)
5 ** Mid-tempo. Funky instrumental opening. This one would work well on a jazz program. Good accompaniment including a cool flute solo. Bouncy & fun. (5:35)
6 * Mid-tempo. Syncopated. Good vocal. Organ, drum, and horns accompany. (4:43)
7 Mid-slow. Dark & sinister. Singer accuses his woman of cheating. A bit dull. (3:45)
8 Slow. Mellow, quiet ballad. Minimal guitar & drum. (6:29)
9 Mid-tempo. Smooth jazz including too-typical sax solo. Too smooth. Yuck. (4:26)
10 Very slow. Sad ex-love (breakup) song. (4:52)
11 Mid-tempo. Soulful singing. Funky accompaniment by full band. (3:21)
12 * Mid-tempo. Bitter, post-breakup song, but funky and groovy. Cool organ solo. (4:50)