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When
I heard about the new album of Doc Powell, I thought by myself, why
does he release only so few solo albums? After his debut,
Love Is Where It’s At (1987), followed The
Doctor (1992), Inner City Blues (1994), Laid Back
(1996),
Don't Let the Smooth Jazz Fool Ya (1997), I Claim the Victory
(1999), Life Changes (2001), 97th & Columbus (2003),
Cool
Like That (2004) and For Old Times Sake (2010), his
best of album.
His new project This Is Soul (2016) is a reminder of on how many soul, gospel and jazz albums Doc has played as featured lead guitarist. Powell performed with Luther Vandross, Kirk Franklin, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, Jeffrey Osborne, Ashford & Simpson and Dionne Warwick, as well as contemporary jazz giants Grover Washington, Jr., Bob James and McCoy Tyner.
First track on his new album is a rendition of Love on Top, a song by American singer Beyoncé for her fourth studio album 4 (2011). After the first notes you will love Docs' brilliant guitar sound. He carefully selected this track because it keeps the spirit of Whitney Houston and the Jackson 5, the fabulous music of the 80's.
Another cover, another interpret, another sound. He Never Sleeps by Take 6 was their gospel debut in 1988. The original a cappella sound is replaced by soothing guitar and a full bodied orchestral background. The Vibe evokes memoires of smoky jazz bars of the 50's with the deep sound of Kevin Smith's upright bass, Melvin Jones' muted trumpet and Myron McKinley on keyboard.
Exhale, better known as the Shoop Shoop song, written by Babyface and sung by Whitney Houston for the romance film Waiting to Exhale (1995), is well interpreted by Powell and the vocal part is perfectly reflected by Jennifer Holliday and the background singers Lynn Fiddmont, Bridgette Bryant and Kim Parchman. Etude of Soul leans more to the jazz style of Docs' sophomore album The Doctor. Here and there he shines with a sparkling improvisation.
On This Is Soul Doc Powell serves a haunting melody wrapped in stylish Latin tinged rhythm. Wilbert Williams on trombone and Melvin Jones on trumpet round the sound up with a stunning horn arrangement. On top Patrice Rushen with great piano work and Doc kicking the guitar, what do you want more? Love Stays sees Doc Powell performing a chromatic harmonica. Doc uses a Triple Play wireless guitar controller to produce this sound. The result isn't only surprisingly authentic but flabbergasting atmospheric. Doc is able to trigger the controller in a way that it sounds like actually blowing air into a harmonica.
Tomorrow is a song originally recorded by The Brothers Johnson as an instrumental in 1976 on the album Look Out for #1. Siedah Garrett wrote lyrics to the song, and it was recorded by Quincy Jones featuring Tevin Campbell on vocals for the album Back on the Block. Later Jones re-arranged and re-corded the song with John Legend for his album Soul Bossa Nostra. Doc presents on his rendition as lead singer Nikki Ross, an exceptional Gospel singer.
So Cool could be titled jazzy guitar chords in the mix. When one remembers, that George Benson was Docs' mentor and Wes Montgomery his idol, one understands why this tune sounds like that. A Song for Our Prince is short, concentrated on the essentials, dazzling, festively and a royal tribute to the revered Prince Nelson Rogers which was recorded on the actual day of his death.
Doc Powell understands This is Soul as a biographical element. It gives an insight into his origin, his preferences and his personal development as a jazz guitarist. Who loves Doc Powell's music, has to get this important mosaic stone.
Buy the album in all stores
Album Information
Title: This Is Soul
Artist: Doc Powell
Year: 2016
Length: 0:42:33
Genre: General Jazz
Label: DPR Music Group
Tracks:
1 Love on Top 4:17
2 He Never Sleeps 3:18
3 The Vibe (feat. Melvin Jones & Myron Mckinley) 3:34
4 Exhale (Shoop Shoop) [feat. Jennifer Holliday] 3:45
5 Etude of Soul 2:39
6 This Is Soul (feat. Patrice Rushen & Wilburt Williams) 4:09
7 Love Stays (Interlude) 0:23
8 Love Stays 2:49
9 Tomorrow (feat. Nikki Ross) 3:39
10 So Cool (feat. Melvin Jones) 4:12
11 A Song for Our Prince 1:21
Further reviews:
Doc Powell
