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 Barry White Boss Soul Del-Fi Records Do not be mistaken by the large, beaming face of a young Barry White on the CD cover. This product does not contain the seduction music that Barry "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" White is famous for. That is not to say that the music on this record isn't sexy enough to charm your pants off. A heartfelt tribute to Barry's early contribution to R&B music, the tunes are all sung with the raw yearning that characterizes the heydays of Motown and its competitors. It may come as a surprise to some that Barry White was also a producer, engineer, all-round musician, and A&R man. This CD showcases his talent in all these areas. White honed his songwriting skills at Bronco, an R&B off-shoot of Del-Fi records that founder Bob Keane started to give Motown a run for its money. Barry contributed 14 of the 16 songs on the disc, each song a lovely, soulful pop gem. The songs are interpreted by Viola Wills, Felice Taylor, Johnny Wyatt, and Barry himself. The melody of each song isn't as catchy as a Motown hit, but the energy, spirit, and boogie beats are all there. The best part about this CD is that you get a booklet which tells you everything you want to know about these singers and about Bronco records. It is slightly discouraging to note that critics (not including me, of course) have always been so lazy about their musical judgement. Poor Felice Taylor's career was handicapped because they thought she was nothing but a Grade B Diana Ross. Which she is not. Her voice is in the same soprano range as Ross's but exudes a kind of innocence that Ross never really was about. Unfortunately, the critics were right about Viola Wills and Johnny Wyatt. They are professionals and good ones at that, but there really isn't anything outstanding about their voices or delivery. The real star of this record is Barry White, of course. You can hear the beginnings of the sexy persona he was celebrated for in his vocal delivery on the songs. The last 2 numbers on the disc, with their lush orchestration, foreshadow his work with the Love Unlimited Orchestra. Here are my reasons for why this CD is cool to have: a) This is the early Alternative Music, kids. Other than Barry, none of the other stars are doing the oldies circuit. b) You can tell everyone you knew Barry White when... c)Puff Daddy might sample one of the songs and you'd wish you got your hands on it first. d) It's a wonderful piece of music history and the tunes are lovely. -Cindy |
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