Leroy Hutson

"Closer to the Source" is the 6th solo album by Leroy Hutson. It was released in February 1978 on Curtom Records.

After working as a writer and producer for such soul music stalwarts as Donny Hathaway and a stint replacing Curtis Mayfield as the lead vocalist in the Impressions, Leroy Hutson embarked on a solo career with 1973's Love Oh Love. The album combines the kind of smooth soul music that Hutson performed with the Impressions with more ambitious and conceptual outings in the vein of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

After recording a string of soul albums that earned him little commercial success, Leroy Hutson decided to take the most commercial route possible on 1979's Unforgettable by making a disco album. Given that Hutson was a gifted arranger/producer and tended towards the sweet side of soul anyways, it could have been a harmonious marriage. Sadly, it doesn't work because Hutson suppresses all his personality as a performer and producer to produce some disco tracks that represent the genre at its most bland and faceless.

Released on Curtom Records in 1975, Hutson illuminates the fickleness and unpredictable nature of the music business. Leroy Hutson seemed to have it all going for him; he replaced Curtis Mayfield in the Impressions, then branched out solo, was a friend of Donny Hathaway (who also worked for Mayfield at the time), and was given carte blanche to produced hits with the help of others for himself. The biorhythms must have been out of whack, because it never really happened for the talented guy. This is a fine effort with bouncy tunes, stirring ballads, and crack productions yet the masses never heard it. Best bets: All. But special mention to "Lucky Fellow," "All Because of You," and "So Much Love."

Every Leroy Hutson album features a sweeping, make-you-feel-good opening tune; this time "Love the Feeling" warms you for a collage of soulful ballads, mid-tempo romps, and steppers. The best of the lot is "I Do, I Do (Want to Make Love to You)," a sensuous booty call reminiscent of Peabo Bryson. Jonesing for a hit, some of the cuts come off cookie-cutter, but Hutson's singing shines throughout. "Blackberry Jam" and "Sofunktiscation" are formulaic but pleasing funkers.

Digitally remastered and expanded edition of Leroy Hutson's 1974 release. One of the finest soul albums of 1974 featuring amongst others 'Could This Be Love', 'Ella Weez' and Leroy's own version of 'The Ghetto '74', Donny Hathaway's signature tune which Leroy wrote with Donny. The album comes with one bonus track, the hard to find mono version of 'Ella Weez'.

Deluxe reissue of Leroy Hutson’s 1976 album Feel The Spirit featuring for the only time the Free Spirit Symphony. Released in the same year as the famous Hutson II, Feel The Spirit includes popular tracks such as Never Know What You Can Do (Give It A Try) and Lover’s Holiday. Both the CD and LP come with a full colour innersleeve complete with in-depth notes by award winning soul expert Tony Rounce.

Acid Jazz are pleased to present the definitive Leroy Hutson compilation - Anthology : 1972-1984 A legend to soul fans, his catalogue has been increasingly sought after by collectors and producers since the last time it was widely available nearly 20 years ago. College friends and early collaborator with Donny Hathaway then hand-picked as Curtis Mayfield's replacement in The Impressions, his solo career resulted in 7 albums for Mayfield's Curtom label. They are considered some of the greatest of the era and the very best music from them is collected here. Licensed from Mr Hutson himself, this represents his first approved Anthology, and comes in a beautiful package with an essay by soul expert and Mojo Award winning writer Tony Rounce and memorabilia and photos from Mr. Hutson's own personal archive.

Acid Jazz are pleased to present the definitive Leroy Hutson compilation - Anthology : 1972-1984 A legend to soul fans, his catalogue has been increasingly sought after by collectors and producers since the last time it was widely available nearly 20 years ago. College friends and early collaborator with Donny Hathaway then hand-picked as Curtis Mayfield's replacement in The Impressions, his solo career resulted in 7 albums for Mayfield's Curtom label.

Acid jazz is a musical genre in which elements of jazz, funk, soul, disco and hip-hop can be combined.