Customer Reviews

Bridging the Gap

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not since Aretha Franklin's "A Rose is Still a Rose" has a veteran performer successfully updated his catalog of music to appeal to both the young and the old as Wilson has on "Bridging the Gap." As a possessor of one of musicdom's most distinctive voices, Wilson pours his "soul" into each and every cut of this superb disc.

Beginning with the foot-friendly "Absolutely," Wilson shows that he is a force with which to be reckoned on the contemporary R & B circuit. In "Another Man" (featuring Case), the artist takes the role of experienced "playa" providing advice to a younger charge. "Without You," the third cut is absolutely beautiful! "Would You Mind," one of the shortest cuts in the 13-song set, is typical Wilson with the artist providing his own background. "Big Pimpin'," "Can I Take You Home," "Now Ya Sayin'Bye," are other selections that are truly amazing in their execution and production.

The highlight, however, is a duet featuring Marc Nelson entitled "For Your Love." This song, like Charlie Wilson, is the stuff of legend.

Every fan of R & B should place "Bridging the Gap" at the top of the Christmas wish list as one of the "must-haves" of 2000.

Charlie Wilson's vocals are timeless. He still sounds as strong and fresh as he did years ago with the Gap Band. The surprise is the hip hop feels of the music behind him and how good his voice works with every single song. Without You, is beautifully performed and written, Charlie's Angel is pretty and Big Pimpin will surprise you as well with Uncle Charlie and Snoop Dog. Charlie is just plain old GOOD on every cut. It was worth the wait!

I love this whole CD. There are not many CDs around that you can listen to all the way through. I have my favorites, of course, like Without You, Can I Take You Home, and Come Back My Way, but every song is worth listening to. I know he may sound like the "old guy in the club" at times, but Charlie is an original playa and he's just living up to that image by being very straightforward and letting the ladies know what he is about. I relate to many of his songs and appreciate the things he has to say. I recommend this CD to R&B old/new school lovers everywhere.

This is an extremely amazing CD. I love every track. My favorites are Absolutely, Without You, Big Pimpin, Can I Take You Home, Come Back My Way, and Charlie's Angel. I am still amazed by this CD. I have had it for a short while and it hasn't had a day unplayed. Definately one in my collection that is going to be babied! :) I urge you to pick it up and check it out for yourself

A FEW NOTES:::: The track Big Pimpin' (In My Opinion) is about a man who is a good lover. He is singing about pleasing just ONE woman and not many, and that is his definition of big pimpin'

Also,(In my opinion again) The inclusion of outstanding is a great idea because it introduces new fans of Wilson to discover that he had a past and the future is going to be nothing but brighter!!

This is my favorite CD in the house! Why this outstanding soulman is not played more often in the past years on ANY radio station in Canada & US, is beyond me!!!He deserves many golden awards for his high quality voice & style!
TESTIMONY was bought for under $3.00 at a Walmart store here in Canada! THIS CD ROCKS JUST AS MUCH AS THE NEWER ONE! THE GAP BAND & CHARLIE ARE THE BEST OF THE OLD SCHOOL ERA, 90'S & MILLINNIUM TO PARTY TO!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CHARLIE & GAP BAND!
WE NORTHERN CANADIANS LOVE YOU!

Where has Charlie been hiding? I love his voice! This is one of the best CD's I've heard in a while. It's definitely on my top ten list. Charlie's vocals coupled with very talented background singers and exceptional musical arrangements gives this CD five stars without a doubt. The songs are beautiful! Love, love, love just oozes from this CD...I highly recommend it!

Long time Gap band fan, since high school days in the 80s. Now that I'm 30 something, really enjoying the vocals of Charlie Wilson's, skillful, mature and smooth vocals [he was doing vocal runs before they became a fad! :-)] to mellow tunes. Reflections of classic "Soul" music with a touch of contemporary R&B. Add to your collection. I have. Enjoy.

If you are a true GAP Band fan, this cd is a must fo' ya! According to Kavin Ross a GAP Band historian. "It is great to know that our homeys are still live and well. The whole world should not be surprised that Charlie's music is a force of goodwill and wholesome creativity. From their days at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa Oklahoma, we all knew that Charlie was our jewel! Now the whole world can sit back listen and watch him shine!

I kinda expected a little less modernism from Charlie and wanted him to bring back the old school. However, with the production by Tricky Stewart, Marc Nelson, and Case I kinda get what I'm looking for with a twist. "Without You" and "Can I take You home" are definitely jams on this album.

Can't come any better than this! Even if Charlie is leaning more towards the new school sound his voice never sounded better, You want straight old school funk my advice is to check out the debut CD All My Funky Friends by that Bride Dawn Silva, right here at amazon.com. The best funk CD I ever heard!!!