Izzy James
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Izzy James

Monroe, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2006

Monroe, New York, United States
Established on Jan, 2006
Band R&B Gospel

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Izzy James- A Call to Conscience"

The quality simply does not stop! Izzy James may well be a brand new name to me, but already he has won a similar respect and admiration that I ordinarily reserve for my all-time favourite artists. Along with the recent Embers CD this is essential from start to finish. The strengths of this CD are manifold. Musically if you adore the soulful, jazzy grooves as laid down by Me'na, Liberty Silver, Melissa Forbes then you will so want this album. Another more relevant comparison is with the superbly talented Nicolas Bearde. Love him and you'll love Izzy. As simple as that. The album is strong not only vocally or musically, yet lyrically too. The title of the album sums up much of this set; a number of songs are socially conscious and are fantastic in they are not idealistic or fluffy, nor are they preachy. Izzy has his head on straight and is not afraid to ask the listener questions about family life, politics and justice. Holier than thou he is not, but it is indeed a call to conscience. "Best We Can Do" attacks the steady erosion of liberty and rightly states, "the writing is on the wall". In fact, the situation is far worse than many could fear and as he rightly states of his fellow countrymen "wake up".

This clarion call is metered with the impressive "Change The World" and the intensely passionate and though-provoking "This Way". The answer, Izzy states is that things do not have to be the way they are. Amen to that! The scene is also set for matters of the heart, and on this matter Izzy has come up with some tracks that are simply mind-blowing. A track on here is going to be MASSIVE. "Caught Up" is a simple smash. I doubt that anyone hearing this will not be totally in love with it. The Carl Anderson / Nicolas Bearde style vocals are matched by a superb set of musicians, the real instrumentation and the sheer depth of care that has gone into the recording and delivery of the song is simply breathtaking. "Caught Up" is as strong as anything on The Embers CD, and if this is not a track to set the likes of Richard Searling, Ralph Tee, Mike Stephens and Tony Monson alight, then nothing on God's earth will. Another smash is the Tower Of Power-ish brassy "Your Love", resplendent in smooth 70s keys, horns and percussion the replay button will, I have no doubt, be pressed a number of times. The funkier rhythm of "It's All Right" complete with excellent backing vocalists who are totally at home within the Hammond organ and horns. This slinky effort is repeated with "Something", which also benefits from slap bass and some nimble funky guitar work. "A Call To Conscience" is an album that can be put on from start to finish without you having to skip tracks. Certain songs, as I say, will be massive and will sound as fresh and essential in 30 years time. This is the real McCoy. Miss at your peril.

Barry Towler - Soulchoonz Radio


"IZZY JAMES"

IZZY JAMES CALL TO CONSCIENCE CD
Really good horn backed lyrically strong old school soul album from the very soulfully voiced Izzy who reminds me in places of Jeff Robinson. This album is strong all the way through but highlights are the mid tempo funky soul 'Its All Right' , 'Fallin Sky' and 'Your Love' the foot taper 'Change The World' the mid tempo steppers 'Caught Up' , 'Something', 'Best We Can Do' and 'Stand Up'. Strong album - SOUL BROTHER RECORDS REVIEW PAGE


"CALL TO CONSCIENCE"

"James plays seamlessly and joyfully with both jazz and soul elements for today and from the classic soul era from the 70's giving a surprisingly refreshing result." - a review by Patrick Anderson


"All You Need Is Love--And a Little Bit O' Soul!"

The self-produced CD by Izzy James is nothing short of phenomenal. Highlighted by solid musicianship, in-the-pocket grooves, and sophisticated arrangements, A Call To Conscience, has much going for it. Add heartfelt, uplifting lyrics, and the impeccable baritone vocals of James, and you have the recipe for creative success. The opening track "It's All Right" hits with an old-fashion dirty low down 70's funk groove with horns and backing vocals reminiscent of Steely Dan or Average White Band, but James, lead vocal falls closer to the R&B stylings of James Ingram or Luther Vandross. "Change The World" continues with themes of hope, faith and ultimately love, "Show some love to your brother and all that love will come back to you," the main message of the CD. The horn arrangements, courtesy of Noah Bless, are squeaky clean and tasty: Scott Kreitzer's sax solo on this track really shines. "This Way" is a rare gem. The chromatic chordal and melodic motifs evoke classic Stevie Wonder. The lyrics continue to remind us that all you need is love, supported by a soaring and powerful vocal track—perhaps the best on the album. The piano work of Aaron Swinnerton provides sensitive and bluesy accompaniment with some outstanding playing by James on the bass as well. "Fallin' Sky" throws down the nastiest groove on the album with some funky guitar work compliments of Dave "Bad Ass" Snider and another sizzling horn arrangement. "Stand Up" is a catchy feel good track continuing the message of believing in yourself and featuring a smokin' sax solo by Angelo DiBraccio. "Could It Be You" is the perfect "chill out" track, highlighting the talents of jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb. In fact, from the opening track to the last ("Your Love"), this album is rock solid, beautifully produced, and an extraordinary musical treat. Highly recommended! - author: Mark Davenport


Discography

A Call to Conscience- CD

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