MUSIC REVIEW: LEELA JAMES & THE TRUTH – Are You Ready?

Label: 4/4 Sound & Entertainment One U.S., LP

Release Date: April 12, 2019

Rating: 88%

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Since seeing her open for another artist a few years ago, I have been a fan of Leela James and her blend of soul and R&B.  With a new venture in the form of a funk / soul / R&B / rock fusion with The Truth Band, Leela has unleashed more music on the masses that should please her fans while helping build a larger fan base thanks in part to the rock vibe from some songs on her new EP.  Disc opener “Are You Ready? (intro)” is a short intro shows of a funk-filled set of riffs that set the course for the disc, with a cool musical accompaniment underneath her soul-filled vocals.  “Get Down” kicks off with a sound that takes you back to the Motown sound and soon becomes a cool funk / soul sound that allows the band to lead the way with her vocals dancing across the mix with strength, without being overpowering.  “I’m Out!” is a great track that shows off a sultry side of James that gives her room to run vocally without losing sight of the discs vision or the sound of the other tracks, even swirling in a blues vibe.  Be sure to check out the riffs and fret work in the mix and transitions between verse, chorus, and bridge.  “Are You Ready? (interlude)” builds on the intro that opened the disc, but gives us a greater appreciation for The Truth Band and its contribution to the disc.  This funky piece has a cool foundation thanks to the drums and bass while the guitars and vocals come together in the mix.  Lead single “That Woman” is a killer track that drew me in on first listen and gets better each time I take it for a spin.  The emotion in Leela’s vocals drives home the lyrics and is embraced by the guitars, bass, and drums.  The four parts come together and create the perfect musical storm.  This is one track I hope to see and hear Ms. James perform live in the future, as I believe this one was built to be played live.  Disc closer “I Still Believe” is dripping with Leela’s rich vocals and some of the best guitar work on the disc.  The solo at the bridge is great – it helps connect the different sounds woven into the track with the other songs on the disc.

Tracklisting: Are You Ready? (intro) – Get Down – I’m Out! – Are You Ready? (interlude) – That Woman – I Still Believe

LEELA JAMES & THE TRUTH LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

ARE YOU READY? – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews