A
very welcome return to the scene from someone who has tasted
both success and tragedy in his life. The fact that Kenny is
from the UK and has a voice that packs more soul than most suggests
that his career would have been even more successful if he
hadn't been born the wrong side of the pond and perhaps
ten years too early! Today, if he was just starting out he
would have probably won either the X Factor or American Idol
and been firmly where Lemar in the UK and Ruben Studdard in
the US are currently sitting. For that is the market that
would appreciate this sophisticated and well crafted album
which even missed some major magazine reviews in the UK.
Perhaps, some narrow minded individuals who should
go out more often would dwell on the fact that Kenny does
not fit the actual stereo type of a soul singer. Then they
should just take a listen to the Simon Law
produced track 'Him' on this album and feel ashamed. From the
first bars there is no doubt that this is a true gem, swirling
strings, live instruments and a vocal that oozes real soul.
and there's plenty more of the same on this album. The nod to
the Dramatics in the slow dancer 'Let it Rain' and
the jazzier 'Foolin' Around' are but just a few.
This accessible album also keeps
the dancers happy with the light funk of 'Sunshine Girl' and
the Mezzoforte instrumental hit from the eighties,
Garden Party' now vocalised by Kenny and given the title 'I
will.'
Overall the album has a timeless
quality to it and shows that artistes of stature do not have
to compromise their musical standards to appeal to a wide
audience. This is without doubt a significant and long overdue return
and an essential album to add to your collection
