“Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green - album review

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TJR says

The smooth ones such as Al Green are usually up against it with me but, by and large, he wins me over here on his 4th LP. Mind you, being produced in Memphis by the legendary Willie Mitchell he had a strong head start, with a supporting cast that had strength in depth. The rhythm section consists of: Howard Grimes (drums); Al Jackson Jr. (drums); Leroy Hodges (bass); Charles Hodges (organ, piano) and Teenie Hodges (guitar). The horn section has: Wayne Jackson (trumpet); Andrew Love (horn, tenor sax); Ed Logan (horn, tenor sax); James Mitchell (bass, baritone sax, arrangements) and Jack Hale Sr. (trombone). Al writes 7 of the 9, the best of which are the mid-tempo soul-stirrer “La-La For You” (co-credited to Willie Mitchell) and “It Ain't No Fun to Me”, a sharp and funky closer, again operating in the cool mid-tempo vibe. Best of the lot is the surprising cover of the Bee Gees big American number one single of the preceding year, “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” In Al’s hands it’s a completely different song; a masterclass in sensuality. He’s the real deal.

The Jukebox Rebel
30–Jan–2016

Tracklist
A1 [03:18] 5.4.png Al Green - Let’s Stay Together (Albert Greene, Al Jackson, Willie Mitchell) Soul
A2 [03:31] 7.0.png Al Green - La-La For You (Albert Greene, Willie Mitchell) Soul
A3 [02:57] 6.3.png Al Green - So You’re Leaving (Albert Greene) Soul
A4 [03:42] 5.2.png Al Green - What Is This Feeling? (Albert Greene) Soul
A5 [03:19] 6.7.png Al Green - Old Time Lovin’ (Albert Greene) Soul
B1 [03:41] 5.2.png Al Green - I’ve Never Found A Girl (Who Loves Me Like You Do) (Eddie Floyd, Alvertis Isbell, Booker T. Jones) Soul
B2 [06:22] 7.4.png Al Green - How Can You Mend A Broken Heart? (Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb) Pop Ballad
B3 [03:47] 5.4.png Al Green - Judy (Albert Greene) Soul
B4 [03:23] 6.9.png Al Green - It Ain’t No Fun To Me (Albert Greene) Soul

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