Evaluate: Dee C. Lee – Simply One thing (Acid Jazz)
★★★★ ½
The previous Wham! member and Fashion Councillor returns with Simply One thing – a shocking trendy soul basic
As Dee C. Lee explains to Basic Pop in our Simply One thing interview, there’s no massive drama behind her absence since 1998’s third solo album Smiles was solely launched in Japan – Dee raised a household, and he or she simply didn’t really feel pushy sufficient to place herself ahead for a comeback.
Frankly, screw that: Acid Jazz have gotten themselves a steal in persuading Lee again into the studio, with Model New Heavies affiliate Tristan Longworth producing, plus a backing band comprising assorted BNHs and James Taylor Quartet musicians.
Destiny was partly liable for the hook-up, as Dee ran into Acid Jazz boss Eddie Piller simply when a low-key Fashion Council documentary reunion made her keep in mind that she loved singing in spite of everything.
Nonetheless it’s come about, reward be that Simply One thing exists, as a result of it’s great. It sounds prefer it might have been made at any level since 1972, timeless soul showcasing an expensive, adaptable voice seemingly preserved in aspic since Lee guested with Guru and Jamiroquai after The Fashion Council’s cut up.
The one covers – Weldon Irvine’s joyous I Love You and Norman Connors’ equally celebratory membership anthem Be There In The Morning – each date from the 70s. It’s simple to image flute-driven breeze Don’t Overlook About Love and late-night temper On a regular basis Summer season subsequent to Rose Royce and Gladys Knight as classics which ought to by now have been on Cab Driver FM for many years.
Simply Beautiful
The modern points are primarily within the lyrics, Dee wanting again on her profession within the righteous funk of Again In Time, whereas the atypically seething Trojan cautions: “Goodbye, you trojan horse-ass pal” at a dishonest lover, admittedly over delicate piano and opulent bass reasonably than any confrontational beats.
Co-writers embody Mick Talbot on the brassily swinging Stroll Away and Leah Weller, Dee’s daughter with Paul, herself an underrated singer. These intimate associates and Cher author Paul Barry appear to boost Dee’s imaginative and prescient, reasonably than forcing their very own stamp on her, as the general basic really feel stays constant. That Lee pulls off penning a brand new tune cheekily titled For As soon as In My Life, a defiant funk holler, reveals how assured she’s grow to be now she’s again within the recreation.
Solely acoustic ballad Mountains resembles a filler, however that’s a uncommon misstep. After so lengthy away, it’s outstanding how assured Dee sounds. Her songwriting matches her voice, which is a few feat. For somebody who appeared to epitomise the 20 Toes From Stardom maxim in Wham! and The Fashion Council, this can be a late-blossoming basic. Simply One thing? Simply beautiful.
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