Stan Mosley No Soul, No Blues Dialtone Records

Stan Mosley has always considered himself a soul singer, with his previous recordings on Malaco, Mardi Gras, Double Duo, and CDS reflecting that, but they also show the singer’s exposure over his life to the blues, having been born and raised in Chicago. He started singing in the choir and later served as driver and valet for Cicero Blake. He was also friends with Blake and many other Chicago blues singers, namely.Koko Taylor, Otis Clay, Little Milton, and Artie “Blues Boy” White, so you might say he knows a thing or two about the music.

That much becomes blindingly obvious upon listening to Mosley’s latest release. No Soul, No Blues (Dialtone Records) was produced by Eddie Stout and recorded in Austin with the Moeller brothers (Johnny on guitar, Jason on drums), the Texas Horns (Kaz Kazanoff – tenor sax, John Mills – baritone sax, Al Gomez – trumpet), keyboardist Anthony Farrell, bassist Mike Archer, and guest vocalist Crystal Thomas, and it’s drenched in the blues. With that powerful ensemble in support, Mosley is more than up to the challenge, and the result is one of the most energetic and exciting releases of the year so far.

The opener, “I’m Back To Collect,” was recorded by Bill Coday in the early ’70s. Mosley and the band’s version is even grittier and funkier than the original. Mosley knocks it out of the park, and based on his joyful laughter and insistent “That’s it! That’s it! That’s it! That’s IT” at the conclusion of the song, he knew he did. The title track, a Mosley original, is a tasty slice of Stax with the irresistible horns and its greasy groove, plus a dynamite guitar solo from Johnny Moeller as well.

Next comes Little Milton’s “Losing Hand,” which finds Mosley paying tribute to Campbell’s original. “What You Need” was written by the Moeller brothers (music) and Mosley (lyrics), and it’s a splendid slow burner with another sparkling solo from Moeller. His interplay with Mosley on these tracks is superb. Ms. Thomas joins Mosley on vocals for the next two tracks, the raucous “Stomp,” written by Wilson Pickett and Jon Tiven, followed by an update of The Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next To You” that deftly combines the brisk Motown original with Al Green’s smoky cover version.

Dennis Walker’s composition “Right Next Door (Because Of Me),” was one of the hits from Robert Cray’s Strong Persuader album. Mosley takes a slightly different approach, transforming the song into a smoldering, deep soul track. Howlin’ Wolf’s 1971 track, “I Smell A Rat” (written by Sonny Thompson and Sarah Lewis), marks a strong return to the blues side of the aisle. Mosley’s catchy original, “Change Of Heart,” grooves into Chicago soul territory, with the feel of a long-lost Tyrone Davis track. It’s followed by a spirited cover of an actual Davis track, “A Woman Needs To Be Loved,” written by Gerald Sims and Floyd Smith.

Mosley wrote the closer, “Undisputed Love,” a wonderful slow blues where everything really clicks between singer and band. It’s five minutes of sheer blues heaven.

The album title, No Soul, No Blues, indicates that without the blues you don’t have soul, and without soul you don’t have the blues. Trust me when I say Stan Mosley has BOTH in abundance. If you’re not familiar with this talented vocalist, it’s time to get on board, and this release is the best possible place to start.

--- Graham Clarke