Album Reviews

Timmion Records

59-year-old singer, songwriter, producer and actor, Carlton Jumel Smith’s debut album for Timmion Records is an energetic, uplifting and joyous celebration of a lifetime of soul. Ever since seeing James Brown at his infamous Apollo Theatre show in 1968 as an eight-year-old, Smith has been a sincere devotee to soul and funk, travelling the world performing, making music and even starring as James Brown in the 1999 film, Liberty Heights. After hooking up with the ever-on-point Finnish label, Timmion, Smith now finally unleashes his dazzling and highly expressive debut LP. Named after the address in the lively Puerto Rican neighbourhood of El Barrio in Spanish Harlem where he grew up, the record is brimming with life-affirming colour, emotion and joy and somehow manages to capture the dynamism of his wild live performances on record. His versatile, soaring

vocals add raw power and personality as drum heavy southern-flavoured deep soul and Chicago style, driving funk rumble below. Blaring horns, chugging bass, jazz-like keys, tight drums and expressive sax collide to create a restless and ever-upbeat soundscape that harks back to the vintage days of soul. Reflective lyrics that take in struggle as well as celebration and happiness always manage to return to sunshine and smiles as Smith spills his entire soul onto the record. Laying bare all of Smith’s passion, heart and natural charisma,

1634 Lexington Avenue is the perfect snapshot of why Carlton Jumel Smith will always affectionately be known as Soul Brother Number One. Tom Jones ADD THESE TO YOUR PLAYLIST: