Richardson

Calvin Richardson made a small impression as part of the short-lived mid-'90s urban group Undercover, whose smooth contemporary soul showed the influence of Jodeci, childhood friends of Richardson. So, it shouldn't come as a great surprise that Country Boy, his 1999 solo debut, also recalls Jodeci (it even features K-Ci on the opening track, "I'll Take Her"). To Richardson's credit, he does show signs of developing his own vocal style, even if the music either is too close to Jodeci for comfort, or a little too generic. That said, there are several very strong songs – inlcuding the single "True Love," which features Chico DeBarge, and the Monifah duet "Close My Eyes" – that keep Country Boy enjoyable, even when it sounds a little samey.

This a real gun, and a dark gem of psychedelia, in this case more towards hard and bluesy sounds. Material of this caliber should not miss in any discography that boasts excellent material. Featuring ex-Ugly Ducklings drummer Robin Boers and guitarist John Richardson from Nucleus.

Flutist Jerome Richardson (who switches to tenor on one of the five selections on this reissue) has long been underrated and has had relatively few opportunities to lead his own record dates – only four up to the present time, of which Midnight Oil was the first…