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RECENTLY NOMINATED "Southern Soul Blues Critic Music Award Best New Male Artist for 2005"....bluescritic.com Candlelight placed 3rd for "Slow Jam of Year 2005" ....bluescritic.com *CD Review*.....Frost Illustrated September 14, 2005 Lindsey offers R&B R x There's nothing like good ol' R&B to set your mind, body and soul at ease after a hard day or week on the job trying to round up a few dead presidents to make ends meet. No, there's nothing like that down home, understanding feel you get from soul music-especially the variety with a bit of southern flavor. And. lest you think that's a taste you can't get here up north, feast your ears on the latest from Saginaw, Michigan's own superstar Al Lindsey. Born in Gordonsville, Va., Lindsey moved to Michigan at an early age and has been a fixture on the music scene there since he was a 17-year-old gigging around Detroit. A stint as a medic in the military led him to pursue a career in the medical field, first as an EMT/paramedic with the Detroit Fire Department. After earning degrees at the University of Detroit Mercy and University of Nebraska, he took a job as a physician's assistant at Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Hospital in Saginaw, where he currently now serves. Through it all, however, he's never abandoned his music career nor his southern roots. Through the years, he's continued to study and work on his artistic craft, studying with a time for the late Obie Benson and the Four Tops and eventually opening for well-known acts such as Latimore, Willie Clayton, New Birth, Enchantment and others. He's also cut a number of regionally well-received CDs including his latest, "Caught" (Pulsating Music/Phat Sound Promotions). With such a deep southern soul R&B sound tempered with a bit Motown sound ala Marvin Gaye (or maybe even a little Frankie Beverly), Lindsey, or "Doc" as fans sometimes call him, proves that he never abandoned the roots that made soul music the best music in the world. Lindsey has enlisted the the able studio assistance of Simeo Overall as a producer and musician to get his message across starting with the appropriately titled "Take Me Back," an easy going romantic number with Larry McCray adding some nice flavor on guitar. Lindsey's earthy tenor delivers the goods on this one. Next is the showpiece "Candlelight (A Salute to Marvin)" a heartfelt tribute to one of Lindsey's heroes, Marvin Gaye. Lindsey does a nice job of invoking the late great's memory using some of Gay's familiar phrases without resorting to out and out mimicry. Lindsey keeps things in a mellow mood with "Hollow Point," a sensual ballad and love song. "Caught (In the Wind)" is a groovin' little number with a stompin' beat that brings to mind Tyrone and others. Lindsey has fun on this one with Overall nicely accompanying him in the background. How can you make a respectable soul album without at least one good song about mistakes in love and heartbreak? Lindsey's entry on this album is the wonderful "Sorry," with McCray on guitar again spicing things up nicely. Lindsey digs in on this one delivering a passionate performance that's bound to be a real killer in a live set. Of course, it wouldn't do to leave things sad for too long. "We're Gonna Party Tonite" despite its light title is a serious funk number with a familiar wicked groove that should get folks up dancing. Then there's "Sunshine," which starts out with a bit of easy going falsetto by Lindsey who quickly settles into the music. Now if you really want to get wicked, check out "The Grind." Yeah, it's grown folks music, but tastefully done so no need to rush the kids away from the stereo. It's a fun tune with "Doc" taking his time and really working the song. This is another one that's sure to be a treat in his live show. Lindsey finishes out the CD with "Ain't Nuthin Wrong," slow, bumpin' number about suspicion, betrayal and pain. This one will grab you if you understand. There's also an extended version of "Candlelight (A Salute to Marvin)" with Lindsey really working the style to great effect. Al Lindsey's "Caught" is a fun piece of work from a guy who knows about healing your musical soul as well as your body. Review materials courtesy of Frank-O Johnson and Phat Sound Promotions *Blues Critic Review*......September 2005 (www.bluescritic.com) Al Lindsey "Caught" (Pulsating Music) **** The Southern Soul world is teeming with talented artists and producers. It's only a matter of time before this genre explodes into the mainstream. Michigan's Al Lindsey could have a hit on his hands with this independent release, "Caught". It's as good if not better than most of what I've heard this year. Possessing a rich, throaty voice with just enough coarseness to shake your soul (think Charles Wilson meets Carl Sims), Lindsey impresses right away on the slow rolling opener "Take Me Back", which even features some tasty guitar licks from Larry McCray. But I was still skeptical 'cuz too many albums start with the best track and steadily decline. Nope, not here. Track two is a marvelous tribute to Marvin Gaye called "Candlelight"; a smooth, sexy n' slow stepper that's imbued by the spirit of "Sexual Healing" (the song also appears as an extended version to close the disc). Ship this to radio now! And while you're at it toss in the headbobbing dancer "Caught (In The Wind)", which has a sugary refrain and great backing vocals by Simeo Overall, who also produced, did the programming and wrote 6 of the jams. (Overall produced Bill Coday's "Jump Start" cd this year as well). Lindsey himself co-produced and wrote three tracks, including the slow Southern Soul gems "Sorry" and "Sunshine". Both are fitting showcases for some aching vocal throwdowns by Lindsey. The arrangement is flawless and "Sorry" again features McCray. Don't lay one on your honey just yet 'cuz Lindsey gets you back on your feet again with the pumping "We're Gonna Party Tonite" .But that may be to give a standing ovation and not just to shake your groove thang. Lindsey is an artist to watch and Overall is making a name for himself. Well done. Call (989) 245-9692 or email ablackpa@yahoo.com to get yourself a copy. *Featured artist*....Sept 27, 2005...THE BOGGIE REPORT Check out the artist's website: http://www.pulsatingmusic.com Track List: 1. Take Me Back 2. Candlelight (A Salute To Marvin) 3. Hollow Point 4. Caught 5. Sorry 6. We're Gonna Party Tonite 7. Sunshine 8. The Grind 9. Ain't Nuthin Wrong 10. Candlelight (A Salute to Marvin) Extended Version Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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