to listen or purchase
When he was Boris Titulaer aka Boris, the second winner of Dutch Idol, the nectar sweet tenor that nailed such Netherland hits as “Holy Pleasure” and “Within My Hands” eight years ago already showcased a man with the goods under the hood. However, the unreliable songwriting and lemon arrangements weren’t always up to the vroom of Titulaer’s voice during his Sony years or after on his own indie label, but there were sterling flashes, a real appreciation for yesteryear soul and R&B, and of course that character-rich engine of a voice.
When he was Boris Titulaer aka Boris, the second winner of Dutch Idol, the nectar sweet tenor that nailed such Netherland hits as “Holy Pleasure” and “Within My Hands” eight years ago already showcased a man with the goods under the hood. However, the unreliable songwriting and lemon arrangements weren’t always up to the vroom of Titulaer’s voice during his Sony years or after on his own indie label, but there were sterling flashes, a real appreciation for yesteryear soul and R&B, and of course that character-rich engine of a voice.
Fast forward to his fourth album, and first under the Bo Saris moniker, a move to the UK and a new label home with Decca/Universal, and Saris is a restored and freshly customized man on a mission with plenty of bonafide baby-making music to roll with, be it the acoustic guitar serenade of “Tender,” the layered California soul of “LA,” or the moody hip hop soul groove of “Cool With Me.” Rollicking retro soul singles and B-sides like “Change,” “She’s On Fire,” “The Addict,” and “Does He Love You Better” have already both positioned Bo Saris as the Motown bespoke suited lover man who appreciates the ladies and isn’t above stealing another man’s woman. This Bo isn’t above having lyrical fun with the silly, yet party ready “Shoes,” nor is he afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve on the gossamer tearjerker “Where Are You Now (Acoustic Version).”
The shiny 18-song roadster hits all the traditional soul, funk, and R&B pit stops of the ‘60s through the ‘90s, with few bumps along the way, and does so without vocally imitating any of the major players of those eras. With an original voice tuned-up in classical soul shops, it looks like Bo Saris has finally found his musical way home. Highly Recommended.
L. Michael Gipson