(Stuart) MATHER is possibly the hardest working man in the UK soul business. He’s one half of busy, busy, dynamic duo Mather and KIngdon, but he also chases his own successful solo career which he’s punctuated with a fine, regular series of releases.
His latest offering gets an official release this Friday, 2nd March and it’s a six track EP, ‘Yours Truly’, that was heralded by the single ‘Invisible’. If you’re a soul radio listener, you’ll know the tune. Radio friendly, it was heavily rotated – easy to hear why –simple and straightforward Brit pop/soul. The EP’s title cut offers more of the same – a classy, light dancer with a just a hint of Latin about it, it makes no demands but, be warned, it is ultra catchy.
If that’s your thing, then there’s plenty more on the EP for you to enjoy. ‘Can I Come Over Tonight’ is equally sweet and unpretentious; ‘I Will Be Your Friend’ is another crisp dancer; and ‘If He Really Doesn’t Love You’ is even more energetic. With more Latino garnishes and a minimum vocal, it’s a throwback to the golden days of smooth soul/jazz.
The EP’s big surprise though is a cover of major Harris’s ‘Love Won’t Let Me Wait’. Stuart strips it right down to allow the lovely tune to do all the work, creating a haunting effect, heightened by the sax solo. Recommended
