Always & Forever: Classics

by

Luther Vandross

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These days, it's quite difficult to find vocal excellence in the style of the past. Music that sells tends to have some form of gimmickry going for it - be it electronic, rap, or overdubbing - likely brought on by the dictates of the day. But, of course, there must be an exception. This collection of songs is just such an exception.

Luther Vandross has been making wonderful music for around a quarter century now. Here, we see the genius he has for interpretation. Most of these songs are fairly well-known by their original artists - Karen Carpenter, Little Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Temptations, Friends of Distinction, et al. And most of those versions will always be treasured as part of our musical heritage, but... These here are, in many cases, now the definitive versions.

Let's take "Superstar", an average Leon Russell lyric, made immortal by the Carpenters about 30 or so years back. I always will treasure that version, with Karen's magnificent voice tenderly wrapping itself around the lyric - but now I have this version as well. I cannot truly decide which I prefer - it's that good. This man has an incredible ability to not only sing, not only interpret, but to reach down inside a song and pull out its very essence - not a gift too many others have ever possessed. How about the immortal Temptations classic, "Since I Lost My Baby?" Again, this version may very well surpass the original - a silky smooth, yet vibrant and vital rendition.

I can go on and on about the magic of this album, but I think you get the idea. On track after track, the virtuosity shines through - "Going in Circles", "Love Won't Let Me Wait","Going Out of My Head","Always and Forever","Anyone Who Had a Heart" - truly there are no wasted moments here. As is also Luther's custom, he enlists the aid of powerful accompaniment, in the form of singers Cheryl Lynn and Martha Wash (whose voices meld perfectly with his). The use of piano is especially powerful on many tracks.

I am now 50 years of age, and can easily remember some of the great music of the past - indeed I still very much like to listen to artists such as Dionne Warwick, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. When I do, I find this collection goes so well alongside them. This is truly one for the ages. If you are someone like me, who can remember when an artist truly had to be able to SING to reach popularity - well, you shan't be disappointed here.

Luther Vandross remembers too...