THE RETURN OF REAL SOUL MUSIC? Denise King & Olivier Hutman: Give Me The High Sign

Just when you think that the real deal in soul music will never comes back, God brings a prophet (or in this case, a prophetess) on to the scene and your hope is restored. Vocalist Denise King and keyboardist/arranger Olivier Hutman put together a collection of originals along with a few ringers to produce a disc that has the wholistic feel of the Tamla/Motown/Stax sessions of the 60s and 70s. The snapping rhythm team of Darryl Hall/b and Steve Williams/dr along with the crisp horns of Olivier Temime/ts and Stephane Delmondo/tp-fh gives a very hip vibe to originals like “I Lost My Way” and “Night Vision,” and King’s husky delivery of the lyrics is both earthy and earnest. She goes intimate and revealing on a delicious take of the old 50s hit “I Only Have Eyes For You,” as well as a soul bearing but not cloy presentation of “Blame it on My Youth.” The title track has a party atmosphere, but the clincher is her take of Ellington piece “Day Dream”, a thing of profound delight. Check this one out!

Cristal Records

www.cristalrecords.com