It’s not easy to choose which of Clifton Davis’ many accomplishments is most noteworthy, although writing “Never Can Say Goodbye,” made famous by The Jackson 5 and recorded by dozens of other artists, may be the one most people are familiar with. Now, after a long and enviable career, the singer, songwriter, actor, and minister can chalk up another success, because he is finally releasing his debut jazz album entitled Never Can Say Goodbye. Davis teamed up with Beegie Adiar and her trio for this project. Adair is among the biggest sellers in the jazz genre. With 2 million albums sold and sold out performances internationally, the Beegie Adair Trio is one of the most successful working groups in the world. Also joining Davis are the renowned vocal group Take 6, who backs up Davis on the title tune, and vocalist Monica Ramey, who sings a duet with Davis on “Two for the Road.” Mark Kibble, from Take 6, also adds backup vocals on several tunes. Never Can Say Goodbye comprises three songs penned by Davis, a tune by Adair, and several standards. The album is lush and romantic, burnished by Davis’ smooth, warm voice and Adair’s laid back, virtuosic piano playing. String arrangements add to the music’s dreamy sonority.
Fantastic work from Millie Jackson – a singer so great, it's hard to say that even 21 tracks could make up her "best"! Jackson first emerged at the start of the 70s as a really fresh voice in southern soul – one that was partly tied to the heartbreaking style of the decade before, but who also soon found her voice as a bolder, more self-possessed woman – bridging a gap between weepy soul and unabashed desire that makes her work on this collection so powerful! Producer Brad Shapiro was one of Millie's guiding forces in the studio – and together, they really helped reset the female voice in soul music with these recordings for Spring Records in the 70s – a great lineup of cuts that includes "Kiss You All Over", "Do You Wanna Make Love", "Loving Arms", "Bad Risk", "It Hurts So Good", "My Man A Sweet Man", "Ask Me What You Want", "Keep The Home Fire Burning", "I Feel Like Walking In The Rain", "It's Gonna Take Some Time This Time", "Never Change Lovers In The Middle Of The Night", "All The Way Lover", and "If You're Not Back In Love By Monday". ~ Dusty Groove
Mistura Pura, aka Federica Grappasonni, is as much of a vinyl collector as a producer and musician – and that depth of musical interest really comes through in this double length set! The tracks have lots of elements that draw on styles from the 60s and 70s – but the beats are often quicker, and the overall sound a bit clubbier – yet still has a vibe that's very original overall, and which hardly sounds like easy remix remakes of tracks from back in the day! There's lots of live instrumentation throughout – Fender Rhodes, Hammond, acoustic bass, flute, tenor, and plenty of percussion – all reworked by Federica, who adds in more percussion and keyboards too. Titles include "Midnight For Tommy", "Artistry In Rhythm (Mistura Pura rework)", "Stop Into The Bossa", "Summer Breeze", "Puerto Rican Blues (Mistura Pura rework)", "Street Beat", "African Circles", and "A Prayer For Odara". ~ Dusty Groove
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