It's always a pleasure to receive a new release from The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, with the latest, What Can We Do? (Nola Blue Records) hitting the streets and digital retalers late last month. Mr. Paule always finds an outstanding singer to front the band, with Willy Jordan being the latest acclaimed vocalist to expertly handle the role.

The other guarantee from Mr. Paule's releases is that there will be a tight band backing the current singer, performing a variety of blues, soul, and big band sounds, and What Can We Do? is no exception to that rule.

Kicking off this latest collection of tunes is what just might be the best song here, with  a big horn sound backing the soulful vocals of Jordan on the brassy, bluesy "Still Smellin' Smoke," singing the repetitive message that he's smellin' smoke from the bridges he burned, finally acknowledging that he's to blame. Tenor sax man Charles McNeal and guitarist Paule contribute very nice solos.

Jordan packs plenty of power and emotion into his voice on the slow, soulful blues "Too Late," followed by "Stranger," a soulful tune with a steady blues beat. Paule really tears it up on guitar here.

Another favorite is the rollicking up-tempo blues "You Lie Like A Rug," driven along by the horns. Jordan shares vocals with Larry Batiste, who is credited with being a co-writer on many of the songs here. Tony Lufrano shines on Hammond B3 and, of course, Paule lays down more smokin' guitar licks.

Speaking of sterling guitar work, next up is one of two instrumentals on the album, with the title "Bigger Guitar" letting us know the featured instrument for the next four minutes, although trombonist Derek James, trumpet man Ethan Pires, and pianist Lufrano also get the chance to show off on their respective instruments.

Jordan is back to star on the topical "What Can We Do?," with Sam Cooke-style vocals over the calypso-ish backing, while The Sons Of The Soul Revivers provide solid backing vocals and McNeal jumps in with another tasteful sax solo. This song asks the question of what we can all do to help the earth, designed to get us all thinking of what our future will look like without empowering every woman and man to take action.

"The Heart Never Says Goodbye" is a slow, soulful ballad, with Jordan again pouring out his heart with powerful vocals about the end of a relationship. Oh my, this man can sure sing! The band then gets both funky and jazzy on the mid-tempo "Secret," as Jordan tells that woman that he doesn't want to be sneaking around to the back door to see her, as he's ready to be her main man.

The tempo increases significantly on the brassy blues shuffle "If It Ain't One Thing It's Two," with Jordan again shouting out his demands. Adding to the blues vibe here is a strong B.B. King-style guitar solo from Paule midway through the cut. Jordan's vocals go into a higher register on the slow-paced, soulful blues "Walkin'." Backing vocals of Batiste, Omega Rae, and Nona Brown take this one to another level.

The only cover is a version of the pop classic "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You," turned into more of a blues shuffle thing with more fine sax from McNeal and soulful vocals from Jordan as our singing star has his voice soaring. 

Putting the wraps on this excellent collection of a dozen tunes is the slower, jazzy instrumental, "Blue Mood Indica," still another showcase for horn players McNeal (tenor sax), James (trombone), Pires (trumpet, and Rob Sudduth (baritone sax), as well as Paule getting a heavier tone from his guitar.

Every album by The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra is a must-have, and What Can We Do? is no exception.

--- Bill Mitchell