Sunday, July 13, 2008
A+E, Music, Reviews

AL GREEN

“LAY IT DOWN” (BLUE NOTE)

You’d think that by this stage in Al Green’s storied career, he would be impervious to record company demands about his music. But this new project, although produced and co-written by the Roots’ Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson and featuring such popular contemporary Green disciples as Anthony Hamilton, John Legend, the Dap-Kings horns and Corinne Bailey Rae, was delayed nearly two years as Blue Note apparently “suggested” changes, looking for a hit.

After Amy Winehouse proved that old-school soul was commercially viable, Blue Note gave the “green” light. Those concerned that “Lay it Down” might dilute Green’s trademark sound can rest assured that every track could have been included on any of his ’70s albums. He’s in terrific voice throughout, but there’s a sense of immediacy, even urgency here, likely resulting from the basic tracks being recorded live in the studio, face to face with his collaborators. 
   
Call it old-school baby-making music, but Green owns these tunes, the best of which, such as the funk-lite “What More Do You Want from Me,” can nearly stand toe-to-toe with his classic Memphis hits of three decades ago.

Thompson and company thankfully keep the music free of modern-day flourishes (i.e., no rapping), with a rootsy sound played by real instruments (i.e., no drum loops) or slickness (i.e., Pro Tools). Perhaps a few more upbeat burners would have shaken up the generally low-key mood, but this is still Al Green in his moaning, groaning, swooping falsetto prime, and that’s plenty good enough. 3 STARS—Hal Horowitz