Leela James | My Soul

Leela James | My Soul By Peggy Oliver

All the roads in Leela James’ brief but remarkable career have led to her new deal with Stax Records. In hindsight, this move to the resurrected version of the company who brought us Otis Redding and The Staple Singers amongst a cast of hundreds seems perfectly orchestrated. After all, James’s ultimate respect for her soulful elders runs deep – from Al Green to James Brown (who just happened to be her mentor). Her rich husky voice that recalls Candi Staton has stirred many souls with songs recapturing the many moods of yesteryear. The critically-acclaimed A Change is Gonna Come, James’ debut on Warner Brothers, was a wall-to-wall account of the music that made her musical psyche tick; whether it was blues, funk or gospel. Though her voice might have a few rough edges, her musicality has never failed. The songs were mostly originals by James, but laced with the roots sound and a few modern sound lifts from Wyclef, Raphael Saadiq and other heavy hitting producers. And some of James’ lyrics send some meaty messages about the business called show. For instance, “Music” finds James yearning for the time where the sincere art of music making is sorely missing in today’s world. Both “Music” and the mid-tempo funky “Good Time” were excellent vehicles for dance DJ’s in both house and disco form. Ska/rock group No Doubt’s trademark hit, “Don’t Speak,” was a tour de force for James’ sensitive voice. Unfortunately, the records sales for Change were disappointing. However, James was immediately recognized by her peers with nominations for the Soul Train and NAACP Awards. Meanwhile, while she was etching her name as a warrior in the name of classic urban music, she has been blessed by working with heroes Ray Charles and B. B. King throughout her touring on the international festival circuit.

Let’s Do It Again (Shanachie Entertainment) was more than an appropriate title for James’ sophomore disc. This recording event became extremely special because of her band delivering raw soulful energy in the studio. Unlike Change, all the songs personally selected by James, were major hits for other artists mostly in the soul music realm. Again her strongest vocal weapon was her interpretive skills. Highlights included the Phyllis Hyman dance classic “You Know How to Love Me,” Betty Wright’s definitive piece “Clean Up Woman” and the title track originally performed by The Staples.

Less than a year later with yet a new label home Stax Records, James strikes again with My Soul. Continuing to be more confident and wiser within her talents, James played a bigger role in the creative process. Several production teams provide James with a rich classic soulful palette mixed with a few modern strokes. Her in-your-face lyrics still propel her songwriting; such as the opening “I Ain’t New to This,” about survival of the fittest in the music business. From the tracks’ get-go, James’ vocals come out with a vengeance. “The Fact Is” sizzles with southern fried soul, reminiscent of Stax Records moments with The Emotions and Carla Thomas. With only a looped snare as accompaniment, James struts her wish list on “I Want It All.” “Mr. Incredible Ms. Unforgettable,” a duet with Raheem Devaughn, is an exciting meeting of sixties sophisticated balladry and sensual millennium R&B. The first single, “Tell Me You Love Me,” cleverly builds upon James’ riffs from “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye” by The Manhattans. Finally “Supr Luva” has the feel of Prince’s alluring slow jams.

Known for her electrifying performances on stage, there is a lot of vocal electricity clinging to “My Soul.” That in itself is why My Soul is her finest project to date. Unquestionably, James wears the name of classic soul and the new banner of Stax Records with pride.

Tracks:
I Ain’t New To This
So Cold
The Fact Is
I Want It All
Party All Night
Mr. Incredible Ms. Unforgettable
Tell Me You Love Me
Let It Roll
Supr Lovr
If It’s Wrong
It’s Over

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene