There’s nothing quite as sweet as sweet soul music, especially when it’s played and sung like it was back when soul music didn’t have to be called “retro.”
And that authentic soul music is exactly you’ll find on “What Can We Do?,” a high-spirited session by the marvelous Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, featuring the soul-stirring vocals of Willie Jordan.
The San Francisco-based APSO was founded in 2007 by guitarist/songwriter Anthony Paule after a phone call requesting a backing band for Philadelphia soul and blues singer, Frank Bey, who was coming to the area to perform. Since then, the APSO has earned multiple nominations and widespread recognition as a respected musical powerhouse, inspired by the great soul and blues music of the 1960s and ’70s.
The band is known for the strength of its vocalists, having featured Wee Willie Walker, Frank Bey, and Terrie Odabi. Jordan now fronts the group, having worked with John Lee Hooker and Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, which earned him two Grammy nominations.
This album follows the APSO’s first effort with Jordan, “What Are You Waiting For?” and it’s packed with 11 sparkling new originals and one gorgeous cover. The musical arrangements feature Paule’s outstanding guitar work and kick-ass horns, all powering Jordan’s massive vocals. The songs are magnificent creations, filled with the pain and pleasure that define their soulful essence, all drawn from cast of songwriters that include producer Larry Batiste, Christine Vitale, Marcel Smith, Paule and Jordan.
“Still Smellin’ Smoke” kicks everything open with a blast of horns, then Jordan rocks in with impressive pipes and soulful?? lament: “I’m still smellin’ smoke from the bridges I’ve burned.” The soulful lament of “Too Late” is an achingly gorgeous ballad with soaring vocal. “Stranger” turns funky in its tale of love going wrong, then “You Lie Like a Rug” is a suspicious mind at work: “Every time you open your mouth, ain’t no tellin’ what’s comin’ out.” Larry Batiste – Lead Vocals
“Bigger Guitar” is a Paule instrumental, with his guitar swinging hard and a rollicking piano break. Tony Lufrano – Grand Piano The title track layers a Latin beat over its powerful message: “I hear the children murmuring / We’ve really made a mess of things / People are dying, Mother Earth she’s cryin’, …. What can we do? / It’s up to me and you,”
“The Heart Never Says Goodbye” is a gentle love ballad drenched in Jordan’s vocal soul. “Secret” punches its message hom with sassy horns: “I don’t wanna be your secret anymore / Sneaking in and out of your back door.” “If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Two” is rhythmic lament about troubles that double. Jordan brings a lovely falsetto to “Walkin’,” with his soles showing: “Times are uncertain, don’t know what to do / The world’s hurting, too much bad news …. I wish I could change it, but there’s nothing I can do / So I’m gonna put on my shoes.”
“You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You,” the 1960 Dean Martin hit, gets a tough, bluesy intro, then adds a backbeat, a sexy sax solo, and a slow-rocking Jordan vocal for this knockout update. The closer is the elegant instrumental “Blue Mood Indica, “by Paule and keyboardist Lufrano. It gets a “Blues in the Night” opening riff, with the band stretching out for an extended blues excursion fueled by Lufrano’s majestic B3.
The APSO and Willie Jordan, and everyone involved, sound like they had a great time creating this excellent soul music, conjured from the mists of its timeless originators. And it’s just as great to hear. Play it soon and often.
There’s a quote in the liner notes that offer an eloquent answer to the question posed by its title, “What Can We Do?” “Every single one of us makes an impact on this planet every single day, and we get to choose what kind of difference we make. Hold on to hope, never give up, and remember: you matter. Together, we can create a better future for all living things.” – Jane Goodall
Here’s “Lie Like a Rug” from the album:
Musicians: Willy Jordan (lead vocals, congas, more cowbell), Anthony Paule (guitar), Tony Lufrano (Hammond B3, grand piano, Wurlitzer), Timm Walker (bass), Endre Tarczy (bass), Kevin Hayes (drums), Bowen Brown (drums), Derek James (trombone), Ethan Pires (trumpet), Charles McNeal (tenor sax), Johnnie Bamont (baritone sax, flute), Rob Sudduth (baritone sax), Larry Batiste (lead vocals, background vocals), Omega Rae (background vocals), Nona Brown (background vocals), The Sons of the Soul Revivers — Dwayne Morgan, Walter Morgan (RIP), and James Morgan (background vocals), Jon Otis (percussion). Produced By: Larry Batiste Co-Producers: Anthony Paule, Willy Jordan, Christine Vitale
Tracklist: Still Smellin’ Smoke — 4:03, Too Late — 4:32 Stranger — 3:45 You Lie Like a Rug — 3:06 Bigger Guitar — 3:56, What Can We Do? — 4:30 The Heart Never Says Goodbye — 3:33 Secret — 3:56 If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Two — 3:09 Walkin’ — 3:38 You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You — 3:47 Blue Mood Indica — 5:05.
