New Music Releases: Calvin Richardson; Neal Francis; Vin Gordon

Calvin Richardson – Gold Dust

Calvin Richardson has for the past 20 years been one the best male vocalists to emerge out of the neo-soul movement, beginning with his breakthrough hit “Keep On Pushing.” He wrote Charlie’s Wilson’s hit “There Goes My Baby,” recorded duets with Angie Stone, guested on Raphael Saadiq’s “Excuse Me” and has regularly hit the Urban AC charts. Gold Dust delivers the straight-from-the-heart real soul music with a contemporary flair that has won Calvin a loyal and passionate fan-base. Tracks include: “If You're Thinking About Leaving”, “Be Your Friend”, “Do You Wrong”, “Love You Tonight”, “Ain't Nothin Like The One I've Got”, “Let Me Love On You”, “Still In Love”, “She Never Had A Real Man Like This”, “Beautiful Woman”, and “Macaroni and Cheese”.

Neal Francis - Changes

Blue-eyed southern soul from Neal Francis – a set that feels like one of those great rock/soul albums that were captured during the height of the Muscle Shoals scene – although with maybe a bit more contemporary funk at the core as well! Neal's songs are super-catchy – and take us back to that moment when the right rock artists were picking up plenty from soul styles in Alabama and Tennessee – then turning the music into well-crafted hits for the better side of the 70s scene. Titles include "Change (parts 1 & 2)", "Put It In His Hands", "Can't Live Without Your Love", "This Time", "She's A Winner", "These Are The Days", and "How Have I Lived". ~ Dusty Groove

Vin Gordon — African Shores

Fantastic work from Vin Gordon – who may well be one of the greatest reggae trombonists since the legendary Rico – working here in a very classic style that features plenty of contributions from saxophonist Nat Birchall! Nat's very much in the space of his previous collaboration with Gordon – and also plays piano, bass, and percussion – alongside co-producer Al Breadwinner, who handles drums, guitar, organ, and piano too! Tracks are a mix of echoey, dubby numbers that still have straightforward solo work from Gordon – and others that have maybe a tighter tuneful vibe, but which still fit the strong spirit of the entire session. The quartet also features Stally on baritone and David Fullwood on trumpet – stepping out in all-instrumental splendor, on titles that include "Gusum Peck", "Shucumooku", "Sa La Vie", "African Shores", "Gold Coast Dub", "Styler Man", and "Spill Over" ~ Dusty Groove