2010-04-26
Everyone associates long-time Memphis producer Willie Mitchell with the Rev. Al Green, and well they should since those two rewrote the book on satin-smooth soul during a productive partnership at Royal Recording Studios in the '70s and '80s, with a recent reunion this decade. But it was always the dream of both Mitchell and another king of soul, Solomon Burke, to partner up, too. That planned collaboration never happened -- until 2008, and now the CD's here. It is interesting to listen to those trademark Willie Mitchell strings and rhythm tracks come in and then, instead of the high-register voice of Al Green your hear the lower tones of Mr. Burke. It works, for the most part, although I still can't figure out their love for the Anne Murray weeper "You Needed Me" (can we make that a 'No Play"?). Good thing these R&B giants finally got together, since Mr. Mitchell passed away this January, making this set an unique treasure. Michael J. 04/10 B-R&BJOHNNY MOELLER
BLOO GA LOO
Robin McKelle
HEART OF MEMPHIS
Mark May Band And The Soul Satyr Horns
Blues Heaven
THE MIGHTY MOJO PROPHETS
FLYIN' HOME FROM MEMPHIS
JW JONES
BELMONT BOULEVARD
JOHN MCVEY
MEET ME IN HOUSTON
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