Maurice White – Manifestation
This reissue is rich with music made by several producers on the original tracks including Preston Glass (bgv) & Maurice White (lead & backing vocals/Kalimba). It’s a collection by the late Maurice White — a founding member of the pioneering Earth Wind & Fire whose career spanned 4 decades as an artist & producer.
These are all from his final recordings. A former session drummer on works by Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry & Etta James, then joined the Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1966. His first solo LP came with a self-titled LP in 1985.
This showcase includes 12 pieces & 6 bonus cuts released posthumously digitally as Manifestation (Drops May 3/RUJAC Records/Omnivore/SoulMusic Records/70:00). The reissue was produced by David Nathan & Cheryl Pawelski. There’s a handsome 8-page stitched liner notes insert included.
It all starts with something not so funky or R&B-oriented but as a lovely ballad. “Sweet Surrender,” with Maurice’s brandy smooth vocals stepping forward. This is followed by “Panic Button” with its Prince vocalizing blend measured into a Sly & the Family Stone funk texture laid down with expertise by the backup vocalists that make this workout attractive.
Some tunes will dip back into the Earth Wind & Fire recipe but White manages to cushion that temptation with his distinctive vocal style. The recording is pristine & several songs are designed for potential chart action. “Storybook Love,” follows in a 1960s Temptations/Miracles type of charm.
A few songs will sound a little dated today to younger ears since the funk & R&B genre has gotten more aggressive & suggestive through the years. But that’s a small fact & doesn’t deter from the quality of Maurice’s consistent performance. The majority is constructed with cleverness, imagination & lots of musical icing. It may be the cheesy ‘80s synths that date some songs but listening to the melodies & lyrics – that’s where the true value lies.
Maurice made an effort to sound not like so many of his contemporaries. He didn’t possess that deep sensual bedroom Barry White vocal & what Maurice had — a satiny sexy finger-snapping cool on “True Love Is Forever” that slid along with a haunting Johnny Mathis quality.
There’s enough danceable soul music to satisfy club pilgrims with fancy threads & itchy heels. Some tunes will sound timeless while others will be more nostalgic. Music worth revisiting.
Highlights – “Sweet Surrender,” “Panic Button,” “Storybook Love,” “True Love Is Forever,” “Young Hearts,” “Keep Your Faith In Love,” “Rekindle The Flame” & “Sincerely.”
Musicians – Preston Glass (keys/strings/drums/bass/co-lead vocals), Brian Culbertson & Stephen Lu (keys/acoustic guitar/strings/drums/bass), G-Mo, Phil Gates & Carl Burnette (guitar), Marva King (backing vocals), Alan Glass (keys/strings/drums/bass), Elaine Gibbs (bgv) & Craig Thomas (sax).
CD @ Amazon & https://www.mauricewhite.com/album/manifestation-maurice-white-2019/ + https://omnivorerecordings.com/shop/manifestation/
