MichauX | What’s Going On…Still
MichauX – What’s Going On…Still
By Peggy Oliver
MichauX is
a thinking man’s musician; whether writing about his strong faith in
God or sharing his convictions about what is happening in the world
around us. And the singer/songwriter’s constant involvement in the
community, especially interacting with at risk youth and ex-offenders,
would justify those concerns in his lyrics. Just MichauX
was his introduction as a soul independent artist to be on the look out
for. The media raved about this 2004 project on his MX Music moniker, a
contemporary gospel tour-de-force drenched in old-fashioned soul funk,
jazz and hip-hop. The Austin, Texas resident’s sweet tenor draws
memories of The Isley Brothers and Marvin (Gaye) that has reeled in an
international listening audience from the Netherlands to the U.K. and
has been showcased on throughout his home state and on the Showtime at
the Apollo stage.
Marvin’s big statement songs “What’s Going On,” it was a perfect move
for MichauX to readdress more of the Motown legend’s politically charged
lyrics from What’s Going On. This 1971
classic strongly impacted both the soul music world and the music
industry for the better. Recorded live with minimal overdubs and
engineered in analog, What’s Going On…Still
reminds us of those times when wars, poverty and race issues
infiltrated the U.S., pretty much the same scenario as today. Selections
from the 1971 release are the title track, “Inner City Blues (Make Me
Wanna Holler)”, “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “What’s Happening
Brother,” “God is Love” and the title track. What makes What’s Going On…StillWhat’s Going On,
the backing band mostly consisting of Leeds, England’s finest musicians
are sufficient enough with their classic laid-back funky grooves;
including those greasy fried conga rhythms and succulent Rhodes piano
flourishes.
excel is MichauX’s skill in spicing laid-back jazz adlibs in
maintaining the musical flow, especially on the seven minute plus
tracks. Another strong factor is that his tenor is a dead ringer for
Marvin. Though the orchestrations are minimal compared to Marvin’s
successfully brings back the genius of Marvin in many areas. However,
the track sequencing is out of order from the original, a somewhat
curious move considering What’s Going On was a
concept album. MichauX could have also benefited to the cause by
tackling additional pieces like “Right On” and “Wholy Holy.”
Nonetheless, if music casting were to choose who could recapture
Marvin’s heart and jazzy soulful voice, MichauX unequivocally qualifies
with What’s Going On…Still. With this MX
Music release, MichauX has done the urban music community a favor by
dropping these relevant messages that still hold true today and honoring
Marvin’s legacy in the process.