Audrey Wheeler | Let It Be Me
Audrey Wheeler | Let It Be Me
By Randy Holmes
On this impressive 1987 Capitol Records debut album , "Let It Be Me", and after so many years as a top flight, first call session background vocalist, Jamaica, Queens, NY native, Audrey Wheeler, whom is married to legendary R&B crooner, Will Downing, the world got to hear for the first time, her full and competent solo vocal prowess. Having provided background vocals to albums from a "who's who" in R&B royalty throughout the '80's and 90's, artists ranging from her husband Will Downing, Jeff Lorber, {BTW, that's Audrey providing lead vocal duties on Jeff's 1985 hit, "Step By Step"}, Regina Belle, Stephanie Mills, Jonathan Butler, Glenn Jones, Vanessa Williams, George Benson, Miki Howard, and the list goes on and on, she got to fully exploit her vocal talents to songs ranging from enjoyable dance numbers and mid tempo groovers, to a tender ballad dueting with Funk legend, bassist/vocalist, Larry Graham.
Opening this eight selection gem featuring the production talents of Lionel Job and Preston Glass, is the irresistably infectious hip shaker, the album's title track, "Irresistable". The driving bass synthesizer, the hard hit snare, the feel good melody, the sexy soothing female background vocal fills, and funky guitar licks, along with Audrey's commanding vocal performance, make this a song that will STILL have folks running to the dance floor in 2011, such a timeless song. On "Love On The Inside", she effortlessly stretches her vocal chords to listening levels that will evoke thoughts of passion and yearning. The light percussion work of the congas and shaker, along with the pleasant sounds of the electric piano, and droned bass synthesizer, supply a mid tempo groove that complements Audrey's dynamic heartfelt vocal delivery.
On "Forget About Her", she get to explore her funk side. This uptempo and funky number comes complete with fueled charged rhythm guitar pickings, stereo panned percussion landscapes, sinister sounding bass synths, and synthesizer flute runs, supplemented by male bass vocal fills spattered throughout. Audrey executed her lead and background vocals with the fervor and dexterity of a true professional. Things slow down a bit with this sweet and beautiful ballad, a radio Quiet Stormer for sure, the gorgeous "Somewhere In Your Life". Her mellow alto range shines through on this rhythmically passionate performed piece. Lightly played bass synths, chordal fender rhodes, gentle percussion undertones, beautiful electric guitar finger pickings, and flowing string synthesizer arrangements, has classic written all over it.
Now we go back to the groove with the danceable and festive sounding "Time For Passion". Audrey's vocals, like that sung throughout this album, come shining through with a backdrop of a percolating bass synthesizer, the omnipresent hard hit snare, the Roland 808 drum programming, synth horns, and those ever consistent fender rhodes performed parts. The mood is definitely set for a romantic dinner by candlelight with this duet sung with legendary Sly & The Family Stone/Graham Central Station bassist, and solo artist in his own right, Mr. Larry Graham, on the aptly titled, "I Miss You, Love". Audrey and Larry's voices blend very well together as they sing in perfect harmony. They do not try to overpower one another as they sing their respective solo parts as if they've sung together for years, it's done just right. The band's performance on this track consists of a scorching saxophone solo, the once again droned bass synthesizer, light bongos, and a well paced live drum performance. This particular track is certainly one for the Slow Jam menu on the iPod.
"Don't Lose Your Touch", is yet another dance floor crowd pleaser. It's a happy tune that has a slight shuffle feel to it. The bouncy synthesizers, the electric piano musings, the funky guitar picks and strums, along with Audrey's harmonically charged vocals on this track are among the many standout songs on this terribly overlooked album in 1987. Audrey's fantastic vocals could not sound as great as they do without the brilliant musicians that accompany her on this great album, and they are keyboardists Thor Baldursson, along with albums co-producer Preston Glass, the "Italian Stallion of Rhythm Guitar" Corrado Rustici, and the capable background vocal talents of Kitty Beethoven and Claytoven Richardson. Audrey followed up this album with 1992's excellent "I'm Yours Tonight" on Nile Rodger's then BMG distributed label, Ear Candy Records. I sure do hope Audrey consider recording a new project. Vocal talents like hers are so necessary and needed in today's R&B landscape, and if she does, I'll be the first one to legally download it on iTunes. Mrs. Downing, R&B misses you.
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 1/3/2011 9:46 AM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Old School Soul, Videos
Tags: 80s Music Music Videos
Man oh man, why did you had to pull this out for review and jam me up? Why...WHY?
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I take it you like the review ? ..... LOL !
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Not only did I appreciate the review, but I could have sworn I OWNED A COPY IN MY RECORD COLLECTION - And DON'T! The hunt is on - www.musicstack.com - here I come...
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