(October 19, 2020) “No One” by D.Folks took me back from the second I hit play. Perhaps it was that percussion with the bongos playing off against the blues inspired guitar riff. Then too, it could have been the grit on that funky bass or gospel touch on the keys or the flourishes from the brass. Then too, it could have been D. Folks’ soulfully rangy and emotive voice. It was probably all of that. Just like it was with “The Truth,” his previous First Listen contribution with which he blessed Soultrackers with in May.
But the fact of the matter is that it brings a certain historical perspective or musical preference to this music game. If your playlist has a lot of Bill Withers, Marvin Gaye or, to make it more recent, Anthony Hamilton, then you are going to dig this song. I mean, you are going to play it and it’s going to stay stuck in your head in those moments when you can’t pop the ear buds in. I wouldn’t be surprised if you decide that you want to learn more about this man who had to be peeping over Bobby Womack’s shoulder when The Poet sat down to write lyrics. I’ve already listened to a couple of more and I’m liking what I’m hearing. I’m sure you will too.
By Howard Dukes