The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra – What Can We Do?
NOLA Blue Records
12 tracks/43 minutes
After nineteen years, seven albums and nineteen Blues Music Award nominations, The Anthony Paul Soul Orchestra (or APSO for short) continues to tour the globe and produce fantastic music for us all to enjoy. Willy Jordan now fronts the band which had the likes of Wee Willie Walker, Frank Bey, and Terrie Odabi lead the fray for them. This 12-piece band is a marvelous group of talented musicians who can play with the best of them because, frankly, they are the best. This is their first release for NOLA Blue Records.
Of this dozen tracks, one is a delightful cover of a classic and the others are original material. Jordan leads the vocals and Paule handles lead guitar. Also appearing are Tony Lugrano (keys), Tim Walker (bass), Ethan Pires (trumpet), Nona Brown (backing vocals), Charles McNeal (tenor sax), Larry Batiste (backing vocals and who also produced the album), Omega Rae (backing vocals), Bowen Brown (drums), Johnny Bamont (baritone sax and also flute on a cut), and Derek James (trombone), along with a few other guests.
“Still Smellin’ Smoke” kicks things off, a song that reflects on the burning bridges left behind. It’s a soulful and funky cut. The horns and organ are sublimely fun, the guitar rings and the vocals are primo. The solos featured are on sax and guitar, both to great effect. ”Next is “Too Late,” a somber ballad with thoughtful guitar, organ, and horn accompaniment. The organ and horns get featured sweetly and Jordan and the trio backing him are stellar.
“Stranger” is next in line. This one is a cool midtempo-ed track. The guitar work is pretty, Jordan sings with passion, the horns and keys are super. “You Lie Like a Rug” follows, a piece that swings. Jordan chastises his woman as the horns and organ give their all.
“Bigger Guitar” is a jumping and jiving instrumental featuring Paule laying out some very pretty licks for us to savor. The support behind him is excellent, with a slick set of solos on piano, trombone, and trumpet. It’s a wild ride! The Sons of the Soul Revivers join in behind Jordan on ”What Can We Do?” This one is a old school, early R&B/rock tune that takes you back to the 1950’s. Jon Otis adds percussion. It’s a beautiful number that sings about the demise of our planet and what we must do to help. Great sax, horns and organ are featured here. Endre Tarczy and Kevin Hayes fill in on bass and drums respectively.
“The Heart Never Says Goodbye” follows; this is a slow and thoughtful cut about lost love. Jordan sings with passion as all the players and singers work to flesh out a wonderful and touching piece. Rob Sudduth adds baritone sax on “Secret,” and it’s got the sound of a spy TV or movie theme song as Jordan sings of his creeping around in secret. Paule’s guitar rings, the organ fills in nicely, and the horns are outstanding.
“If It’s Not One Thing It’s Two” is a swinging track with a pretty opening by the boys. Jordan enters vocally and they solidly delivering the goods together. The horns are strong, the guitar vibrant, and the organ is excellent. Jordan swings and even skats a bit. “Walkin’” is next in line, taking it slow and easy as Jordan sings with feeling. Another pretty cut, Jordan howls out the lead and the backing vocals add to the emotion. The guitar and accompaniment add to the mix well for an overall quite satisfying piece.
The classic “You’re Nobody ‘Till Somebody Loves You” is the next track. Jordan delivers the message with aplomb. The tenor sax solo is well done here and everyone plays cooly into the mix to make this a fine and memorable rendition. The finale is “Blue Moon Indica,” another very cool instrumental. The organ opens and then we get some throaty and nice tenor sax. We then get horns helping to transition us to the guitar solo, another sweet listen. The organ and horns help take us home. Sudduth returns on the baritone sax for this number.
This is the kind of set of tunes that made me want to applaud after each song as I sat listening by myself. It’s superb stuff. Willy Jordan is an amazing vocalist. Paule’s guitar is sublime and cool. Lufrano on organ, piano and keys is exceptional. All the horn players are wildly great. The backing vocals are stellar, and the back line keeps a steady groove throughout. These guys and gals are pros and delivery a wonder set of tunes. Go get this; you won’t regret it and you’ll be listening to it over and over again because it’s amazingly good stuff!
