Elly Roberts reviews
Solomon Burke: Make Do With What You Got
Distributed by
Sony/BMG
- Released: February 2005
- Rating: 8/10
- Cat.no.: 5195382
It’s hats off to one of the best Rock’n’Soul exponents of all-time.
Almost touching 70, the Philadelphia legend nurtures the past and braves the
future. With his big powerful voice still intact, he’s leaving his
contemporaries (what’s left of them) in the shade.
Still gigging world-wide, this is a dramatic return to from on what essentially is a covers
collection. Despite his huge reputation, he didn’t register commercially with
the British public, having never entered the charts with singles or albums
under his own name. In 2003 he collaborated with Dutch producer Junkie XL (Tom
Holkenborg - who had a number one hit with a remix of Elvis’ A Little Less
Conversation). The single Catch Up To My Step didn’t repeat the success of
Elvis, languishing at 63.
This sophisticated offering harnesses his roots, moves it on, and retains his
genre defining sensibilities. His backing band are tight and hot, allowing the
maestro to run riot with soulfully rasping vocals. Vaunted songwriters on offer
include Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson (The Band) Van Morrison, Mick Jagger/Keith
Richards and Hank Willims,with the interpretations sitting neatly next to each
other-all done in Burke’s soul-searching style.
From the Stonesy opening salvo of Coco Montoya’s I Need Your Love In My Life,
you know you’re in for a special listening experience. He goes into gospel-mode
on several occasions and lovey-dovey on self-penned After All These Years.
On a countrified At The Crossroads he sounds a dead-ringer for Morrison
himself, showcasing his vocal mastery. In the sixties the Stones covered
Burke’s Cry To Me: now he returns the favour with their I Got The Blues.
Heavily featured is the sublime organ work of Rudy Copeland, guitars of
Reggie Young, Ray Parker Junior (of Ghost Busters fame) and drummer James
Gadson.
Verdict: tasty.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
