John Finley Soul Singer

John Finley
Soul Singer
Vesuvius Music

John Finley’s career has spanned more than five decades as a hit songwriter and a dynamic performer. He has had decades of experience performing live and touring, and his composition “Let Me Serenade You” by Three Dog Night brought Finley’s songwriting to the music charts around the world. Finley returned to his native Toronto after decades of living and working in L.A. In 2018, he was offered a record deal from Jaymz Bee and Lorenzo DiGianfelice of Vesuvius Music.

Finley’s first thought - to the labels delight - was to have Grammy and Juno winning producer and arranger Lou Pomanti at the helm. Pomanti also plays the keyboards on a set of performances ranging from strong blue-eyed soul to very fine jazzy cabaret singing. There is a touch of church music in the accompaniment of the opening “Let Me Serenade You,” that Finley wrote. Pomanti’s keyboards caress Finley’s high tenor testifying set against terrific backing. It sets the table for a varied program that follows with a romantic soul ballad, “I’m On Your Side,” and then “Go,” with its funky dance groove. Tony Carlucci’s muted trumpet helps create a late-night feel for the jazzy, atmospheric vocal on “What Time Can Do.”

Finley delights listeners throughout, including a heartfelt take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” while the original “Money Love” is an original that may evoke The O’Jays classic “For the Love of Money.” The latter number has a solid groove and excellent backing vocals behind Finley’s expressive singing. Finley delivers a superb jazzy vocal on the Buddy Johnson classic “Save Your Love For Me,” while his evocative vocal on the rendition of Charlie Rich’s “Who Will The Next Fool Be,” is equally top-flight. Allison Young’s tenor sax solo adds to the fervor of this marvelous performance that closes out an outstanding album of blues-eyes soul and jazz-tinged songs and vocals.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is John singing "Soul Singer."