Sam & Dave – Soul Man Explosion: The Nashville Sessions
Goldenlane Records
13 songs time – 34:47
Goldenlane Records presents "Soul Man Explosion: The Nashville Sessions," a collection that promises a revamped take on classics from the iconic soul duo Sam & Dave. However, it's crucial to note that these aren't the original recordings; instead, they are re-recorded versions and cover songs from a 1978 session in Nashville. While the intention might be to offer a fresh perspective, the result is a mixed bag that may leave long-time fans yearning for the original magic.
The Nashville Sessions feature re-recordings that, unfortunately, lack the tight vocal delivery of Sam & Dave's original classics. The occasional asides and distractions throughout the tracks hint at the challenges faced in securing licensing for the original recordings, which might explain the decision to revisit these classics in a studio session.
Despite the potential reservations about the re-recordings, there are some noteworthy moments in The Nashville Sessions. The involvement of Steve Cropper, recreating his signature riff on "Soul Man" and contributing to an instrumental version, adds a touch of authenticity. Brian Auger, a British rock-jazz veteran, joins the mix on "I Thank You," bringing keyboard elements to the track. However, the impact appears limited, and the addition might not resonate as strongly as intended.
The collaboration with The Courettes on "Hold On, I'm Comin'" introduces guitars, bass, percussion, piano, and vocals. Unfortunately, the various elements end up cluttering the song rather than enhancing it, creating a disjointed listening experience.
Moving on to the cover songs, Sam & Dave's rendition of Sam Cooke's "(What A) Wonderful World" is commendable, but the addition of female backing vocals seems unnecessary and doesn't contribute positively to the energy of the track. Their take on "Another Saturday Night" is passable, but the absence of Sam Cooke's soulful vocals is palpable. A similar sentiment holds for their cover of The Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin'," where they struggle to match Steve Winwood's original soul-drenched delivery.
While Sam & Dave's interpretation of "Summertime" is well-executed, the track seems to conclude abruptly, leaving listeners expecting a more seamless resolution.
For die-hard Sam & Dave fans, "Soul Man Explosion: The Nashville Sessions" might hold some appeal as a collector's item. However, those seeking the original hits will likely find this collection falling short. The re-recordings, while capturing a nostalgic essence, don't quite capture the magic of the duo's iconic performances. It's essential to approach this release with the understanding that it deviates from the brilliance of the originals and might, in part, serve commercial interests rather than purely artistic ones.
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