Johnny Rawls Where Have All the Soul Men Gone

Johnny Rawls
Where Have All the Soul Men Gone
Third Street Cigar Records

Johnny Rawls returns with his third recording for Third Street Cigar Records with another collection of soul-blues. Recorded in Denmark, Rawls wrote and produced this latest addition to his discography. Horns were added in Ohio. Those familiar with Rawls' prior recordings or performances will find nothing new here. It is merely another well-produced set of songs starting with the title selection, "Where Have All the Soul Men Gone." Rawls' latest song salutes some of the great soul and blues legends that shaped his music and whose legacy he carries on.

Rawls' pleading gospel-rooted soul vocals are set against crisp backing, including moaning horns that evoke the Hi records sound, as he sings about his women and what they mean to him. For example, in "Can't Leave It Alone," he sings about wanting to leave her alone. However, she has her hook in too deep, but also she has everything he needs. In addition to the medium tempo groovers like "Keep On Doing My Thing," Rawls contributes an original soul ballad, "Love, Love, Love," where he celebrates that no one can kiss or hold him as his woman does. 

There is a bit of soul philosophy on "Money" when Rawls preaches about folks needing money to fill up a car, buy new shoes, or buy one's woman a gift. Larry Gold adds a short guitar break to this selection while taking a more substantial solo on "Town Too Small." A gospel original, "Calling On Jesus," is the final selection on another first-rate Johnny Rawls recording.
 
I received my review copy from Third Street Cigar Records. Here is a performance by Johnny Rawls.