EUGENE McDANIELS
Screams And Whispers (Genepool)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Eugene McDaniels first jumped into the Top Ten with his 1961 hit "A Hundred Pounds Of Clay" and followed it up with a string of hits. In the seventies, the "Outlaw" era, his music provided a powerful voice for social consciousness. He followed his early performing career with a move into the studio where he penned and produced hits for artists like Roberta Flack and Merry Clayton.

While he may have spent recent years out of the spotlight, he's hardly been idle, and the fruits of his labors are now available on this new effort which highlights his incredible range, encompassing funk, pop, jazz and his strong gospel roots on eleven new tracks. The esteem that McDaniels retains in the music community is reflected in the outstanding supporting cast he assembled for this effort, including bassist Ron Carter, guitarist John Patti, and the multitalented Joey DeFrancesco, who brought his trumpet rather than his B-3 to the job. There's another generation of talented McDaniels' on board, too, with appearances by sons Christopher and Mateo.

It's The Left Rev. McD who's front and center, though, proving that every ounce of talent he's ever presented is still there and then some. While he draws heavily on his roots for inspiration, this is no revival act. The music is crisp, fresh and adventurous. In some cases, as with the vocalese flavored "Too Rare," which also features the vocal talents of co-producer Carri Coltrane, it's simply astonishing.

Eugene McDaniels is back one more time, and as always before, he's back in style. He can't be button-holed, he can't be held back, and you shouldn't hesitate to track this one down.

Track List:

Trapped * Nuclear Dancing * You've Taken All * Dila * Future * Too Rare * Alien * Vampire * All Night * Fill You Up * Long Way From Home

[Pick this up at www.genepoolentertainment.com.]

© 2004 - Shaun Dale