DAVE LEE has been crafting classy soul and dance music for something like 35 years – sometimes using various aliases. Now he’s just good ‘ole “Dave” and working with MAURISSA ROSE he’s just delivered this sumptuous contemporary soul album that shows that all those years in the business hasn’t staled him nor curbed his enthusiasm for cutting quality grooves.
Next, Ms Rose. We’ve learned that Dave first heard Maurissa on a record by Detroit DJ/Producer Theo Parrish. Dave was knocked for six by her soulful delivery and decided he needed to work with her. After a few emails and mp3 swops Ms Rose decamped from the Motor City to London to start work with Mr Lee. That was back in 2022 and the fruits of their labour yielded the 11 brand new songs and 1 cover that feature on this aptly titled album.
The album’s release was flagged up by a January single – a double A sider pairing ‘You Decide’ with ‘No Question About It’. Both were (indeed are) floor friendly boogie workouts that betray Dave’s years in the business; they also show why he was so impressed by Maurissa back in 2022. The girl sure knows how to belt out a tune. No histrionics – just passion, commitment and soul.
The album offers plenty more floor friendly cuts like the pacey, percussive ‘Open Me Up’, the boppy ‘I Feel The Sun’, the sophisticated ‘I’ve Been Here Before’, the crunchy ‘You’re Giving Me Life’ , the equally crunchy ‘By Love’s Design’ , the jazzy ‘All Around the World’ and the tight ‘Do You Believe’ . The LP’s mellow moments come via a lovely ‘Just A Matter Of Time’ and ‘Look At The Stars’ . Then there’s that very special cover – a version of Johnnie Taylor’s classic dancer ‘What About My Love’. Clearly the pair aren’t daunted by the song’s provenance, delivering with respect and aplomb – a highlight amongst many on the set – a set that delivers a delicious melange of Soul, Disco and R&B, with just a sprinkle of Soulful House.
(BB) 4/5
