SOLOMON BURKE

Nothing's Impossible

2010-04-26

Everyone associates long-time Memphis producer Willie Mitchell with the Rev. Al Green, and well they should since those two rewrote the book on satin-smooth soul during a productive partnership at Royal Recording Studios in the '70s and '80s, with a recent reunion this decade. But it was always the dream of both Mitchell and another king of soul, Solomon Burke, to partner up, too. That planned collaboration never happened -- until 2008, and now the CD's here. It is interesting to listen to those trademark Willie Mitchell strings and rhythm tracks come in and then, instead of the high-register voice of Al Green your hear the lower tones of Mr. Burke. It works, for the most part, although I still can't figure out their love for the Anne Murray weeper "You Needed Me" (can we make that a 'No Play"?). Good thing these R&B giants finally got together, since Mr. Mitchell passed away this January, making this set an unique treasure. Michael J. 04/10 B-R&B

Quick Links:

• Solomon Burke's homepage
• Wiki bio of Solomon Burke