A group that swings, but with a nice modern edge – sometimes more rhythmically forward, other times letting the melodic elements set the stage – all under the great direction of pianist Simon Nabatov, who leads a group with Tony Malaby on tenor and soprano sax, Brandon Seabrook on guitar, Michael Formanek on bass, and Gerald Cleaver on drums! Malaby's raw tones provide a great edge without ever going too far, and Cleaver sounds more inventive here than ever – really raising our interest in his music. The group perform all original numbers by Nabatov – and titles include "Rickety", "Slow Move", "Marching Right Along", and "Translated". CD

Aretha Franklin's definitely growing into her role as a soul sister here – a later date for Columbia Records that hints a bit at the sounds to come on Atlantic! Backings are by Robert Mersey and Belford Hendricks – both of whom use some relatively full orchestrations and occasional backing vocals – in ways that almost translate a 60s country soul aesthetic to a leaner, cleaner sound for Aretha's strong vocals. Franklin, as always, is great – the kind of singer that really illuminates any tune she gets – even familiar numbers that seem to take on new life in her hands. The material is a bit deeper-digging than before on Columbia – less covers, and more tunes that are well-suited to Aretha's sensibilities – including a few penned by Van McCoy or Hendricks. Titles include "Until You Were Gone", "Follow Your Heart", "A Mother's Love", "I'm Losing You", "Take A Look", and "Can't You See Me". LP, Vinyl record album