Old school soul has always run through Richard Alexander Davis’s musical veins. Since he began his career in the eighties, the U. K.-based singer/songwriter’s affection for recording classic grooves has been consistently intact. It was shown on his work with Hysteria Records U. K. in the nineties and came through to an even greater degree on his renderings of seventies and eighties urban hits from artists like D-Train, Al Jarreau and Freddie Jackson on his 2008 self-titled disc.
With his latest, Lovin’ You Direct, Davis once again captures remnants of those grooves from the past; only this time with all original compositions. Davis’s warm voice is quite appealing throughout, though unfortunately marred in many places by paper thin synthesized programming and production miscues. Despite those flaws, Lovin’ You Direct brings back a few pleasing doses of old school soul reminiscing.
Notable Cuts: "High From Your Lovin,’ "Back In Love," "Feelin’ Like A Fool" & "You’ve Changed"
Music 2.0 stars
Production: 1.5 stars
Lyrics 2.5 stars
Vocals 2.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: Mildly Recommended.
By Peggy Oliver
