Customer Reviews

Anthology

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The first volume in this anthology of Burgess' work is a long overdue installment in recognizing this talented man's work. Often toiling behind the scenes, the low-key Burgess made songwriting, producing, and vocal contributions to some of the best of the 70's and early 80's dance music.

This disc spotlights the vocal work. It contains only nine songs, a meager amount considering Burgess' output. But the tracks are fairly representative of his style. The album is bookended with his collaborations with the Aleems (one song from 1979, one from 1981, and ending with two from 1984). The stylistic changes are most apparent in these songs. The production shifts from the organic, orchestral arrangements of the late 70's to the electro-funk many know from Shannon's singles.

In between these Aleem songs are three selections from the great Logg lp from 1981. Burgess' solo venture from 1983 ("Heartbreaker") sits alongside the previously unreleased solo song "Heavenly." To my mind, the really good stuff are these middle six tracks, where Burgess' production and vocal styles mesh beautifully.

Missing from the disc is the Convertion track "Let's Do It" and the Black Ivory songs, particularly "Mainline." Convertion and Logg were essentially the same group, just on different record labels. One suspects that legal wrangles prevented the inclusion of the Convertion song. I hope that the Black Ivory work will show up on the forthcoming vol 2, which highlights Burgess' producing and songwriting efforts. Perhaps that disc will also showcase the stupendous "Moment of My Life," an Inner Life track that Burgess produced.

The disc has liner notes that, although poorly edited, provide good information and a round of praise from various industry figures. It is great to see Burgess' work assembled in one place-- maybe he can receive some of the public recognition he deserves.

Great stuff, but subject to poor mastering from knackered vinyl sources by a company with no ears and a refusal to obtain master tapes, even when offered them by the licensors! Standard cheap packaging and infantile grammar round off a real Scrooge's deal. As Soul Brother continue to work their way through some interesting catalogues and ruin/cheapen the music in the name of cost cutting...oh, why bother.

it's always cool when a Career Retrospective comes out on a Artist that hasn't always gotten there due.that is the case here with Leroy Burgess He has done alot of Behind the scenes Material for a wide range of Artists.He Co-Wrote Rick James's "Big Time" back in the day among other Artists He has worked with.His Vocals&Production are on point here.a Cool Collection.