SOLOMON BURKE
Don't Give Up On Me (Fat Possum)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Funny how great soul music so dominated the scene and then inexplicably disappeared from the charts. And if it wasn't selling, then it wasn't being made. The recent new soul emergence is sputtering, and for good reason. You need a singer. Someone with a commanding voice, a presence, charisma, a warmth. They must be out there, but I ain't hearing 'em. Instead I'm hearing one of the originals, who, approaching retirement age, puts all the youngsters to shame. Solomon Burke, the Bishop, returns with a spectacular soul record that belongs on your shelf, next to all those classic Atlantic sides. Developed in the old fashioned way: picking and choosing material from the best writers of the day, who wrote specifically with Burke in mind. Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Bob Dylan and Van Morrison eagerly jumped on board, and have produced the soul music of their lives. The Bishop's passionate, velvety smooth delivery belies his advancing years, and Joe Henry's sparkling production (the voice up front, tasty church organ backing) gives it an authentic sixties feel. Superb, and the yardstick of the moment.

© 2002 - John Sekerka