BRIGETTE McWILLIAMS - TOO MUCH WOMAN
(Virgins Records America)

An excellent album with modern street soul. Musicians like veteran Billy Preston on keys and Paulinhio da Costa on percussion who both adds a traditional soul feeling. Basist Bobby Watson who recorded with '70s funk band Rufus and Gap Band guitarist Jimmy Macon adds pure wah-wah funk too the slow or mid tempo songs on the albums. Claire Fischer (Rufus, Quincy Jones, Prince), conducted a 22-piece orchestra on several songs.

McWilliams has made a richly-textured, deeply-layered, multi-dimensional album, filled with emotional extremes - tranquility, devotion, passion and frustration, just to name a few. For the most part, the album is pretty mellow, packed with deliciously dreamy grooves and smart lyrics.

She has a naturally sultry, strong set of vocal chords, which shine on songs like Fire, Don't Wanna Stay and especially Wishing. Also the tracks Morning (and its sister track, It's Morning... Again and the sly and funky It's Your Life.

Be sure to check out this album if you´re intrested in contemporary soul and singers that know how to use their voice for singing, instead of reaching the really high tones on every song.