This is a terrific contemporary recording, which had been unavailable for some time. Six Los Angeles session vocalists, one of whom is the notable Randy Crenshaw, writing and arranging superb original dance/pop, including "The Prize," which sounds like the progressive rock group Yes, and "Ye-U-Ma," which could be a track on a Ladysmith Black Mambazo CD! This is the depth and diversity of which Vocal Nation are capable. "Live Wire" is an undulating soul shaker with a funky bass line and vocal horn section (and, yes, a percussion track, which is true of many of the songs on the CD). "Of Love" is a modern hymn, and along with "The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood," (a Celtic traditional), displays a joyful sense of melody that is proof positive that music really can soothe the savage beast. |
