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Elly Roberts reviews
Sony/BMG
- Released: February 2005
- Rating: 8/10
- Cat.no.: 5195382
Its hats off to one of the best RocknSoul exponents of all-time.
Almost touching 70, the Philadelphia legend nurtures the past and braves thefuture. With his big powerful voice still intact, hes leaving hiscontemporaries (whats left of them) in the shade.
Still gigging world-wide, this is a dramatic return to from on what essentially is a coverscollection. Despite his huge reputation, he didnt register commercially withthe British public, having never entered the charts with singles or albumsunder his own name. In 2003 he collaborated with Dutch producer Junkie XL (TomHolkenborg – who had a number one hit with a remix of Elvis A Little LessConversation). The single Catch Up To My Step didnt repeat the success ofElvis, languishing at 63.
This sophisticated offering harnesses his roots, moves it on, and retains hisgenre defining sensibilities. His backing band are tight and hot, allowing themaestro to run riot with soulfully rasping vocals. Vaunted songwriters on offerinclude Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson (The Band) Van Morrison, Mick Jagger/KeithRichards and Hank Willims,with the interpretations sitting neatly next to eachother-all done in Burkes soul-searching style.
From the Stonesy opening salvo of Coco Montoyas I Need Your Love In My Life,you know youre in for a special listening experience. He goes into gospel-modeon several occasions and lovey-dovey on self-penned After All These Years.On a countrified At The Crossroads he sounds a dead-ringer for Morrisonhimself, showcasing his vocal mastery. In the sixties the Stones coveredBurkes Cry To Me: now he returns the favour with their I Got The Blues.
Heavily featured is the sublime organ work of Rudy Copeland, guitars ofReggie Young, Ray Parker Junior (of Ghost Busters fame) and drummer JamesGadson.
Verdict: tasty.
Weblink: The King Solomon Burke.com
The full list of tracks included are :
1. I Need Your Love In My Life
2. What Good Am I?
3. It Makes No Difference
4. Let Somebody Love
5. After All These Years6. Fading Footsteps
7. At The Crossroads
8. Ive Got The Blues
9. Make Do With What You Got
10. Wealth Wont Save Your Soul
Elly Roberts passed away in 2011, but he was a man who was so passionate about all types of music and loved meeting his musical heroes, such as Mick Hucknall at a book signing at the Trafford Centre, Manchester in 2007.
A former teacher and also a music journalist, DJ and radio presenter on local community station Calon FM, plus appearances on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio 2, Elly started doing reviews for DVDfever.co.uk in 2004 and he did the majority of the CD and concerts reviews on the website.
I know also that he loved getting away for the summer to Spain and I hope that wherever he is now he is enjoying the hot sunshine and, as one of his friends has said on his Facebook page, that he is interviewing his musical heroes.