FIRST CHOICE: ‘Love Having You Around: The Gold Mind Recordings (1977-1980) (SoulMusic Records/Second Disc Records)
Fronted by the imperious gospel-reared vocals of Rochelle Fleming, Philadelphia’s First Choice grew from a high school all-girl quartet called The Debonettes. Slimming down to a trio and changing their name, they stormed the...
RANDY CRAWFORD: ‘You Might Need Somebody: The Warner Bros. Recordings (1976-1993)’ (SoulMusic Records)
Blessed with a softly distinctive, immediately recognizable voice, Georgia peach Randy Crawford has never been one for histrionics or indulging in gallery-pleasing melismatic curlicues lifted from the gospel and R&B music playbooks. Like fellow...
DENIECE WILLIAMS: ‘Free – The Columbia/ARC Recordings 1976-1988 (SoulMusic Records)
Originally from Gary, Indiana, Deniece Williams celebrated her 70th birthday earlier this month; a noteworthy personal milestone that coincides with the release of this tremendous 8-CD retrospective from David Nathan’s redoubtable SoulMusic label. Born...
