Another Look
Omnivore, 2024
8/10
The R&B legend Doris Troy, known as Mama Soul to her fans, grabbed everyone’s attention in 1963 with “Just One Look”, and would later be signed to The Beatles’ label. Here, we’re treated to rare and hard to find tracks from the mid to late ’70s, many that have lived in obscurity until now.
The energetic and warm spirit of “Can’t Hold On” opens the listen with plenty of soulful qualities and no lack of rhythm, and “Another Look” follows with crisp drumming, as Troy’s flawless voice soars over some funk moments, too.
Further along, the 1970 Disco Version of “You Got Me Baby” will indeed get your body moving to the bouncy instrumentation and hand clapping fun, while “It’s All In The Game”, also the 1979 Disco Version, showcases fluid guitars and strong percussion via a dreamy climate.
Approaching the end, “Lyin’ Eyes” comes with plenty of gospel spirit in a more a raw environment, and, at the end, “What’cha Gonna Do” recruits Mystic Merlin’s soul funk prowess for a bright and rich finish that’s stylish and modern.
A collection that includes both 7″ and 12″ versions of the Midland International material, Troy passed away 20 years ago, but her influence lives on in the artists who still cover her music, and this excellent release certainly keeps her legacy alive, too.
Travels well with: Jackie Deshannon- The Sherry Lee Show; Honey Made- Charge It To The Band Fund