JOHNNIE TAYLOR - Gotta Get The Groove Back

JOHNNIE TAYLOR - Gotta Get The Groove Back - MALACO (1999)

The sudden death of Johnnie Taylor deprived the blues and soul world of one of its greatest talents.TheSoul Philosopher had been catching folks’ ears ever since he replaced Sam Cooke in the Soul Stirrers, and later was signed to Cooke’s SAR label. Later Taylor was on Stax where such recordings as "Who’s Making Love," "Cheaper to Keep Her," and "Jody," became major sellers and staples for blues and cover bands. After some success with Columbia, most notably with "Disco Lady."

Taylor spent the last years on Malaco where he enjoyed considerable success the past few years. He was the biggest selling artist in Stax’s history and I believe his albums have been Malaco’s biggest sellers. His last album, "Gotta Get the Groove Back," has been selling well and been on the Billboard Blues charts for over half a year in addition to being nominated for a Grammy. It mixes tracks with a studio band, such as the terrific, driving title track, with one using programmed keyboards (some with horns). There is a good mix of soulful numbers before he closes with "Soul Heaven," evoking the many legendary R&B figures he used to sing and work with, and who he now has joined. 

Taylor never got his due from the general public, but the man was a terrific singer who was at top form till the end.

I likely purchased this or may have received a review copy from Malaco. This review originally appeared in the May-June 2000 Jazz & Blues Report although I may have made minor grammatical changes. Here is "Soul Heaven."