Sidney Barnes (http://www.sidneybarnes.net) is a real soul man. Bred from the teachings of Motown founder Barry Gordy, Barnes has the fire in his heart, the warm flames that stoked Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson.
However, don't classify the six-track EP "Prelude 2" as a paint-by-numbers or woefully outdated vintage R&B record. No, not at all. Barnes could've just spent the whole record cooing sweet nothings to the microphone and, while that may be entertaining, it wouldn't be progressive. You have to love a musician who's been around forever and, just when he finally decides to step beyond his long-standing role as hired help and hit the spotlight, he sounds utterly relevant, energized.
"Without a Home" combines Barnes' bluesy croon with a solid rock and roll foundation. The guitars are crisp and propulsive, pushing the beat forward at a brisk pace. The lyrics' empathy for the homeless give the narrative the sense that Barnes is singing about his own hometown. You can imagine it as scenes from a film - or the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. "Your Old Lady (Turns Me On)" is the closest that Barnes gets to old R&B cliches, yearning for forbidden fruit with indelible lust. But while it's nothing new, Barnes' randy vocal delivery is rich with passion. It's on "Dreamer" where Barnes' voice is showcased the best, anchored by throbbing bass, pulsating keyboards, and funky riffs.
|
"Can't Get Away" has some spoken-word coolness that only an authentic soul man can get away with, and "People All Over the World (Come Together)" is an engaging reggae number that adds another flavor to the Barnes menu.
|
