|
Last year, Willie West & The High Society Brothers recorded their first single for Timmion Records, 'The Devil Gives Me Everything'. Its aching, melancholic vocal delivery over a heavy downtempo rhythm section with bounding beats and punchy horns made an impact from the West Coast low-rider scene to the UK “Deep-Soul” circles and also turned the heads of the younger generation. Due to the surprising success of the first 7”, Timmion Records pushed Willie & the band back to the studio to cut another 45. ...and here they are with their new 7” single entitled “Lesson Of Love” part 1 & 2 (Timmion #023). This fresh waxing from the frozen North lays down a lilting midtempo groove with a tremendous Southern feel, as long-suffering Mr. West laments the conduct of a fickle female who’s playing a wayward game with his heart. But although this Siren-like seductress blows hot and cold on the stormy seas of love, the Southside Brother stays cool, navigating a rock steady rap before riding out through a maelstrom of tremulous organ and surging horns with his head held high. The lesson of love has been learned.
The tag of Soul Survivor may be over-used, but it is well-suited to Willie West, another gifted singer and songwriter from the New Orleans area who has never gotten the breaks he deserved or credit he was due, despite a long and active career in music. Willie West made some outstanding records with Allen Toussaint for labels like DEESU, JOSIE, WARNER BROTHERS and many others. He even recorded a movie Soundtrack with The Meters for the Blaxploitation film “Black Samson” and toured heavily with the band, but he never could get a career established in the music business. Nonetheless, he has never let undeserved professional disappointments or relative obscurity to the general public get in the way of his ability and drive to entertain, and still has faith that he can reach a wider audience. |
|