January 21, 2009

• This is one I’ll have to buy–I LOVE soul music!

  Soul
  Seal
  2008

  Born and raised in England to Nigerian and Brazilian parents, Seal appeared in the early 1990s as one of the most striking and appealing vocalists on the international scene. With his weathered, heartfelt vocals and deft adult-contemporary songwriting skills, Seal enjoyed a series of artistically�and commercially�successful records across the decade and into the new millennium. Best described as a pop singer, Seal�s music nonetheless evades easy labeling, stirring together various styles into a unique and seamless blend. One of the significant influences on his work has always been classic soul music. The gritty passion and conviction in his vocals recall singers like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. This affinity is what makes 2008�s Soul, a collection of covers of classic soul numbers, such a pleasant surprise. Seal�s song selection is impeccable, hitting all the major innovators and styles of soul�s golden years, and he brings class, taste, and, well, soul to every song! he handles.

  The set opens with a bold statement of purpose: a cover of Sam Cooke�s eternal message of hope and perseverance “A Change Is Gonna Come,” recently paraphrased by Barack Obama in his election-night acceptance speech. Seal�s take is faithful but nonetheless amps up the intensity with dramatic staccato strings and virtuosic vocals. Another highlight, and another message of hope, comes via a reading of Curtis Mayfield�s easy, breezy favorite “It�s Alright.” Seal finds the airy, confident nonchalance at the heart of the number and delivers one of his most likable, effortless performances.

  The album takes in a wide range of styles within the popular soul canon. One of the finest moments comes when Seal dips into the �70s Philly-soul songbook. His cover of Gamble & Huff�s “If You Don�t Know Me By Now” coasts on rich piano and silky strings, while his grainy, earnest vocal delivery conveys the perfect measure of wisdom and yearning, lifting the song up to great emotional heights. Across the length of Soul, Seal demonstrates his deep feeling for classic soul and breathes life into a dozen of the genre�s all-time best compositions.

  	Listen to all sound clips from this CD
  “A Change Is Gonna Come” “It’s Alright” “If You Don’t Know Me By Now”       click on these to listen!

  
  
  

  Buy this CD

  Click here for “Summer’s Path”, the free book

  30 here today, that’s warmer than normal!!  I’ll take it.

  It’s my daughter’s 17th birthday today–
  we’re going out to eat at Q Cumber’s.
  Never been there-sounds like fun.
  They have a HUGE salad bar!

  Have a great day,
  and remember to think positive
  and don’t sweat the small stuff-not worth it!

  I love you!!

  

  • 11:37 am
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