(July 11, 2025) One of the U.K. Soul’s chart favorites happens to hail from Paducah, Kentucky and has been a regular presence on the SoulTracks pages. Candace Woodson never disappoints in her performances, whether honoring musical heroes like Phyllis Hyman or effortlessly handling gratifying ballads and funky fun club tracks. Her solid musicality incorporates R&B, funk jazz and gospel, which flow through her alto voice and her musical storytelling. And Woodson’s fighting spirit after suffering a health setback drew even more respect from her fans and the media.
For her return to SoulTracks, Woodson and guitarist Dave Mascall (who has played behind Jean Carn and The Trammps) lovingly recall a Donny Osmond #8 UK chart hit from 2004, “Breeze on By,” which incorporates the mid-70’s George Benson smash “Breezin’” (composed by Bobby Womack). Woodson is forthright in persuading her partner to seal their future love plans, while Mascall’s sweet as honey guitar solo stamps a classy, sensual backdrop on the latest edition of “Breeze on By:” “Baby, You’re driving me crazy/I don’t want anybody thinking about you/In the way that I’m thinking about you.”
Mascall’s navigation from the production chair sustains the steady grooves along with the subtle keyboards that frame his guitar work. By the way, pats on the soulful back to Woodson for another intuitive song choice in “Breeze on By” and ro the original songwriting team of Eliot Kennedy, Gary Barlow, Osmond and Womack. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
