Customer Reviews

Musical Massage

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

 

 

I had the original recording on vinyl and was so upset when it was lost while moving! Thankfully, this re-release is worth every penny. The CD was released around the same time as Marvin Gaye's "I Want You", so you can hear the simular sound and feel of "Musical Massage". The sound is excellent and as a fan on rare gems, there are four unreleased bonus tracks. "I Wanna Be Where You Are" and "Comfort aka Come Live With Me, Angel" featuring Minnie Riperton were released overseas with the original 10 tracks and I am happy to say that Motown/Universal has decided to include it in this release. This CD will make you a either a new fan or remind you that Leon Ware is truly a talent MUCH overlooked!

This is a must have for true listeners of good 70's soul music.
Especially if your into Bobby Womack, Marvin Gaye, Lamont Dozier, etc. It's a wonder why he doesn't get more credit than he has gotten for his contributions to Motown's songwriting staff, and being the mastermind for Gaye's "I want you" album.
Great music, chord changes, background arrangements, and lyrics.
The perfect suite for seducing your lover. You must get it, and get familiar with Marvin's producer, and co-writer of one of his finest 70's albums.

If you are reading this, you probably know about Leon Ware, his connection with "I want You" (Marvin Gaye) and his struggle to get his music on the market, explained in part in the inner booklet. I have four albums of Leon Ware and this is probably the one that delivers the most. Why ?

Well, for starters, you get 15 tracks and 56 minutes of music, whereas you are around 35-40 minutes in his other cds (Leon Ware, Rockin you eternally). Also, you get the "original" version of two tracks included on Marvin Gaye's "I want You". I find it always interesting to compare a final product with the creator's project. You get that here. And if you are a fan of Minnie Ripperton (another brilliant voice gone too soon), you will be in ecstasy; she sings on "Comfort" (the original version of "come live with me ") and "Instant love".

Having said this, it is true that Leon Ware is not the best or greatest voice I've heard, even if he sounds better on some tracks than others (tell me what you think of "With you" for instance). He is a great songwriter though. All the tracks on this collection are oozing with sensuality. It does sound outdated to some, but to me this is classic soul from the 70s. Well worth your money, but you need to listen to it with a positive approach and placing it in context. You will like it if you like Bobby Womack, Norman Connors, Average White Band or even Curtis Mayfield and Teddy Pendergrass.

When I found out that none other than Marvin Gaye was using his material (I Want You), I was intrigued and had to investigate. What I found was an amazing talent that received far too little respect(and airplay)than was deserved. Leon's vocal ability & writing skills are in full display on this album. And to prove his claim that the "I Want You" album was really his creation (With Marvin's amazing vocals putting the cherry on top!), he included the instrumentals with Leon's lyrics, as opposed to Marvin's lyrics. The instrumentals are sweet, like on Marvin's version. Makes this album a great historical record & example of musical collaborations that we the public have had the opportunity to enjoy for decades. I really loved this album, especially "Holiday" that showcases Leon's abilities, and as a bonus, you get to hear Marvin in the background adding his undeniably talented sounds to the record! Don't sleep on Minnie Ripperton's contribution to this effort. So few records of her amazing abilities in vocal stylings are available. In short.....LOVED THIS MUSICAL MASSAGE!!!!!!!
P.S. The Album Cover is pretty hot, too!!!

The title says it all. This album literally changed my life. I listen to it just about everyday, simply because I can't believe how good it is. It seems like every time I listen to it, I hear something new. Fans of Minnie Riperton will LOVE both duets he has with her, especially Come Live with Me, Angel. Those who are familiar with the version Leon produced for Marvin will find this one to be very nice as well. Here's a breakdown of some of my favorites:
1. Learning How to Love You: This song really sets the tone of the album, featuring a nice little drum beat at the beginning and soaring vocals throughout.
5. Holiday: This song features background vocals from Marvin Gaye, as well as one of my favorite lines, "Every day's a special day, touched in every special way." Set to an intriguing drum and some very relaxing strings at the end, it's a beautiful track for sure.
8. Musical Massage: Now this is the song, this is the whole reason why I even needed to review... This song is amazing. From the string work throughout the song, to the beautiful vocals and haunting tone of the song, and even the guitar in the middle, this is one of the most beautiful songs to ever be created. EVER.
I literally could go on and on about this album, including my favorite track, Turn out the Light, but I'm gonna end it now. This is a 5-star cd, and I don't give those out freely. This album truly stands up to its name, and I consider it a gift to have even heard it in the first place. Get this cd, and see what Leon Ware is all about.

I'm very optimistic about an artist's work and I'm not quick to judge anybodys work as disappointing unless it's just that. Being that Mr.Ware produced and co-wrote one of the greatest albums of all time(I Want You). I was definitely eager to hear him do his own work. Although the writing is pretty good on the album, the songs just dont seem to jump out at you. There is not much to it that would makes you want to hear it again and again, and I'm a huge fan of of 70's soul. Maybe that is what Motown thought also, maybe they thought fans would rather spend their last on a sandwich. Which is maybe the reason Mr.ware didn't get the support for this album that he believed he deserved. I still honor him for his genius as a writer particularly with the work he's done with Marvin and Minnie Riperton.

Being the consummate Marvin Gaye fan that I am, I felt that I eventually had to pick up this release by Leon Ware. After I read the liner notes, however, I couldn't shake the feeling that Mr. Ware apparently had a point to make or a bone to pick ("I wrote those songs for myself and didn't want to give them to Marvin so now I'M gonna do them!"). While I think that Mr. Ware is a wonderful songwriter, I really don't care for his voice. Nor do I care for his versions of the songs (albeit his own) that Marvin burned into my psyche when he so masterfully and sensuously performed them on his "I Want You" album. For me no one will ever be able to do them like Marvin. The Minnie Riperton duets were a nice touch.