The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan What Are You Waiting For? Blue Dot Records

The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra's album from 2021, Not In My Lifetime, was one of the best of that year, as it featured the wonderful Wee Willie Walker on vocals. Sadly, Mr. Walker passed away three days after the album's last recording session, so it was quite the bittersweet release for Blue Dot Records and the many fans of the ensemble.

The good news is the band has again recorded an excellent album for Blue Dot, What Are You Waiting For?, with new singer Willy Jordan. That was a new name to me, but it's now on my list of vocalists that I love to hear. Every cut is a strong example of jazzy, soulful blues, with the usual tight backing from guitarist Paule and band. All cuts are band originals.

What Are You Waiting For? opens with the mid-tempo blues, "You Ain't Old 'Til You Cold," with Jordan's advice to get the most of your life while you're alive, a nice reminder that age ain't nothin' but a number. A similar message comes out in the title cut, a rapid-fire number showcasing the Hammond B-3 work of Tony Lufano before Jordan reminds us to live life to its fullest. The mid-tempo blues, "One Way," is a love song, with tasty guitar from Paule and plenty of sound from the horn section of Derek James (trombone), Ethan Pires (trumpet), Charles McNeal (tenor sax), and Rob Sudduth (baritone sax).

The tempo slows considerably on the blues, "You're Somebody Else's Baby Too," with Jordan packing plenty of emotion into his voice as he is realizing he doesn't have that special woman full-time. The same theme occurs on the funky "Back Up Plan," this time with guest Larry Batiste handling lead vocals while lamenting that he does not want to wait around for that woman to go down her list of men to call. Jordan is back on the '70s-style soul number, Where Is Justice?," as he sings about the divisiveness in our society that just doesn't look like it's going to be any better for quite some time, if at all.

"Bruised" is another mid-tempo soulful blues that brings out the pain in Jordan's voice, followed by the up-tempo anthemic soul tune, "Love Out Loud," featuring a nice sax solo from McNeal. Jordan puts more rasp in his voice on the slow stop-time blues, "That's Not How The Story Goes." Up next is one of my favorite tunes here, the funky novelty song, "No Tofu," on which Jordan expresses his need for some barbeque and soul food. Guest background singers Dwayne Morgan, Walter Morgan, and James Morgan (from The Sons Of The Soul Revivers) add very fine background vocals.

Closing the album is a very slow blues, "After A While," on which Jordan packs plenty of power into his vocals, accentuated by the work of the horn section.

I love this album, and I'm glad that Paule and company found a suitable singer in Jordan to take the place of the departed Walker. What Are You Waiting For? is certain to show up on multiple Top Ten lists for the year.

--- Bill Mitchell