I know this album is a couple years old, but I just discovered it, and I felt obliged to review it, just because of its overall sweetness. In a frustrating attempt to engorge my Soul/R&B collection (all the neo soul singers put me to sleep), I came across Joe’s newest release. If you aren’t familiar with Joe Bataan, back in the 70’s and early 80’s he was nicknamed the “Godfather of Latin Soul”, like the would be love child of Carlos Santana and Quincy Jones.Call My Name is his first album in 20 years and it swings man. He signed with the ESL record label, which I think is a testament to how much he is still with the times, even though he is a “Godfather” and now more like a “Grandfather”. ESL primarily has D.C. underground elcontrica artists such as the Thievery Corporation, Ursula 1000, and French sensation Chris Joss; some of whom make appearances remixing tracks on this album, which is kinda like having today’s hottest DJs go back in time, and work with a legendary pioneer of Soul. The results are some pretty off the wall dance mixes.
It’s amazing to me that with all the changes in music over the past 30 years, Joe can make the same type of songs and still have them totally rock. My favorite track “Chick-A-Boom” could be played at any nightclub and everyone on the dance floor would be burning major calories, thinking it’s off of Beck’s new album. “Ernestine” and “I’m a Fool” are slow paced, with lyrics about love lost, but still are sexual charged love jams, full of rhythm and soul. Joe’s voice is throaty, but he hits the high notes like a champ, which makes for definite ostentatious baby makin music. Still, he doesn’t stray far from his funky Latin roots, i.e. major percussion, organ piano, and bongo drums. Songs like “Call My Name” and “Keep the Change” make me feel like I’m clubbing in Spanish Harlem with Carlito Brigante, only I’m having a good time, not trying to avoid getting shot by John Leguizamo or the Mob. Anyway, if you like Soul and R&B, check out Call My Name you will not be disappointed.
7 Comments:
Hats off to you sir for reviewing an album that is a few years old.. I have been meaning to do the same for a bit but have lagged on doing so! The "new to me" review is one of the best kinds out there as we can't always keep up each tuesday's new releases... I'll try my damnedest to put some Joe Bataan into my rotation.
Did you see that Daptone Records just released another singles compilation available on eMusic and Amazon MP3? That label's usually good for some classic soul/funk.
Thanks Wizard, I was a little apprehensive about the release date, but it retrospect, super fun to write. Thanks Jess for the neo soul hook up, I'm getting tired of listening to the same six people that get all the attention/promotion.
I'd also check out Nathaniel Mayer and King Khan & The Shrines (or the King Khan & BBQ Show) if you want your soul with a little more garage rock flavor. Andre Williams is also worth hunting down if you want some dirty old man soul. You'll know what I mean when you listen to his song "Chicken Thighs".
Damn, this is a sweet album. Thanks for leading me to it.
Just wanted to let you know that I am still loving this album.
Here's a recent interview of his with a new free song to download.
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