(4 / 5)
What is one of the most enjoyable things you can do for 47 minutes with your clothes on? (Or off, in the privacy of your own home!)
The answer is wait until 24th July and grab a copy of this sizzling new album of a dozen tracks from The Anthony Paule Orchestra featuring singer Willy Jordan.
Based out of San Francisco, The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, was founded in 2007 by guitarist and songwriter Anthony Paule, inspired by authentic soul and blues recordings of the 1960s and 1970s.
Known for having classy authentic singers, incomparable vocalist Willy Jordan now fronts this dynamic horn-driven band, after working with Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (which garnered him two Grammy nominations), and John Lee Hooker, among others. In APSO, Willy follows the likes of singers Wee Willie Walker, Frank Bey, and Terrie Odabi.
Nine originals here co-penned by Anthony with other writers such as Willy Jordan. One cover, the penultimate track of the dozen, “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You”, the 1944 jazz standard made famous by Dean Martin in 1960 and re-issued in 1964. It has been covered by a host of stars including Dean’s Rat Pack pal Francis Albert Sinatra. Written by Russ Morgan, Larry Stock, and James Cavanaugh.
The 12-piece Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra return in fine style after their multi-Blues Music Award-nominated “What Are You Waiting For?” in 2024, with their authentic retro-soul sound. The new record is produced by Larry Batiste.
The band has notched up a remarkable 20 Blues Music Awards (The blues Grammy) in its 19 year history, seven albums released, dozens of European shows and festivals. Founded by Anthony Paule after a 2007 phone call looking for a band to back Philadelphia soul singer Frank Bey, at Biscuits and Blues in San Francisco. The band was such a hit, almost two decades later they are still in action in their own right.
Vocals are spot on. The ensemble performance top level and the material is a snug fit for Willy’s soulful pipes. An even listen from opening track “Still Smellin’ Smoke” to the closer, “Blue Mood Indica”.
The album’s title is easily answered: soak up these horn-soaked soulful sounds for the perfect summer soundtrack. Maybe shake a tail feather or two, clothes are optional!
By Les Howard
(1 / 5) ‘Dull Zone’
(2 / 5) ‘OK Zone’
(3 / 5) ‘Decent Zone’
(4 / 5) ‘Super Zone’
(5 / 5) ‘Awesome Zone’
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