Soul Express CD Review

Here we are - the third Leon Ware album in 18 months and thank heavens for them all. I have eagerly anticipated this release since we discussed this in our conversations last summer and the master now serves us with this fantastic Brazilian delicacy. At time of writing this album can be purchased directly from Leon's website, www.leonware.com, but will be more commercially available via outlets such as CD Baby sometime in early 2005.

This album was conceived through very trying times for Leon, and this I feel is a testament to him as a man, a loving father and an artist of the highest calibre. The album is dedicated to his daughter, Laura, who is sadly no longer with us, and one can feel the love from father to daughter within the rich, exotic rhythms. Leon is breathtaking in his tenderness and as such I think it is an extremely personal and heartfelt album. As a listener I feel that I am privileged to hear such beauty. Music, for me at any rate, is a message from the soul, and those who can capture emotions and feelings in song, whatever their genre have my attention and respect. Leon is a vehicle for love, beauty, understanding and tenderness; a man in touch with his own nature; sex is his religion and we know that this is meant and entered into in its most highest, spiritual, form.

I have always adored Latin rhythms and find them very sensual, sexy and alluring. The combination of Ware's genius, his bare soul and warm, sultry Brazillian grooves and the musicianship and collaboration of the likes of Marcos Valle, Sandro Albert, Victor Bailey, Jimmy Branly, Cassio Duarte, Renato Neto and Mika Miller is one potent and heady brew. Backing vocals are very smooth indeed and the Ladies supplying these are Sanetta Gipson, N'Ambi Simms and Tracey Amos. We have had dalliances with all things Brazilian before with Leon, way back to the 70s and more recently with "Let Go" from his collaboration with Don Grusin. I cannot fault this album on any grounds on which I could think of. The quality of recording and production are first rate, the songs themselves precious jewels in Ware's already gleaming crown and the musicians shine in their own right.

We swing from sensual ballads such as "Easy Mover" and his tasty remake of "I Wish You Knew" through to more samba inspired acoustic numbers such as "The Light", "Night In Brazil" and "Hearts Alive". In between this we have such top-drawer numbers that I could go on forever. However, I do wish to point out a number of songs that particularly inspire me. The first is "Night In Brazil" which is simply amazing and could be straight from his "Inside Is Love" album. The real, live feel has me wondering if this was recorded in one straight session. What a breathtaking track this is and perfect for summer nights under the stars.
The song that really did grab me deeply was "I Believe In Love" which rates as one of the most beautiful songs and arrangements that the man has ever laid down. To me, although this song is very much a love song its setting is hauntingly mournful. This really is a beautiful song and the melancholy feel that permeates Leon's delivery is, I think, simply sublime. Not many artists can present us with such lovely music. Gary Taylor springs to mind, as well as Thom Bell. James Ingram and Billy Valentine add their vocal skills to the horny arrangement that is "Spirits Lovin'". The beats and sun-drenched aura are supremely sexual and Leon lets his voice soar and his soul opens to ecstatic catharsis. Amazing. I only wish we could hear more from James Ingram - I know there is an album waiting to be picked up - any takers anybody? If not, why not?

Leon has contributed the gentle "Straight To My Soul" with Laura and is a song that both can be proud of. "Sweet Tears" is a haunting song and is not dissimilar from his early 80s efforts; the keyboards send shivers up my spine and Leon's vocals are a chilled as a cool breeze on a summer night. I especially adore the "Soothing Sunset" reprise with its crashing waves and sea gulls... a perfect ending to a perfect CD.
- Barry Towler