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Solomon Burke (Pure Pleasure PPAN SD18158)

Solomon Burke started preaching at seven years of age and became known as the ‘Boy Wonder’ preacher. He signed with Apollo Records in 1955 and released nine singles in two years yet laboured in anonymity. In 1960, after several unsuccessful attempts to revive his flagging career, he signed with Atlantic Records and recorded a staggering 32 singles. This 180gram re-master is of a seminal 1968 Atlantic album that represented a comeback for the ‘King’ with 12 tracks that showcase the visceral appeal of soul music with It’s Been A Change, sweet soul with Take Me (Just As I Am) and a lovely take on Time Is A Thief, with the ‘King’ intermingling soul and country as effectively as Ray Charles. Burke puts his stamp on the Bobby Bare classic Detroit City— the funky soul grooves and homesick melancholy glow with pathos and vocal grit. With performances such as these, you can see why Burke is regarded as the most under-appreciated soul singer of all time. Robbie Gerson