Tales Of The Soul
Severn, 2020
8/10
The Chicago soul/bluesman Devin B. Thompson returns with a handful of soft and lively tunes, where Johnny Moeller, Benjie Porecki, Steve Gomes, and Robb Stupka are on hand, as are a four-piece horn section and plenty of backing vocals, too.
“Love To See You Smile” starts the album with punchy horns and plenty of soul as Thompson’s smooth vocals guide a highly melodic and groove friendly opening, and “I’m Gonna Cry A River” follows with pretty backing vocals complementing the funk nods in the playful Little Milton tune.
The remainder of the tracks are originals, and closer to the middle, “I Ain’t No Good” recruits a laid back, nearly reggae feel to the fuzzy guitars and gospel tinted atmosphere, while “Get Home Tonight” brings in plenty of proficient rhythm to the silky smooth delivery. “Deeper”, a stand out track, then uses brass strategically as some of the best singing on the album resides on this dynamic and timeless tune.
Near the end, “Time After Time” is a piano ballad where Thompson’s expressive pipes are front and center amid nods to R&B, and “Tell Me” exits the listen with Thompson’s thoughts on being black in America today with Curtis Mayfield influences in the powerful finish.
A record that sounds as great as it was crafted, David Earl and Kevin Anker helped Thompson with production on this ‘modern look back at authentic soul music’, and it paid off in spades with a sophisticated yet adventurous appeal that sounds right at home in any decade since the ‘60s.
Travels well with: Willie Nile- Uncovered; Little Richard- The Second Coming