Those who know their music history will already have seen Gar Francis’ name attached to songs that span everything from blues to rock to country to pop, and alongside musical greats such as Billy Idol and The Doughboys. It is fair to say that he has earned at least a mention in the annals of Great American music.
But the purpose of this second volume of his work, just as the one that preceded it, is to showcase songs that, up until now, have largely gone under the radar. And while he wrote and arranged the songs, he has handed them over to Sapphire Star to record. And so, these hidden gems, rough demos, and songs that, for so many reasons, were never presented to the wider music community are finally making a sonic splash.
There is something wonderfully reassuring about an album that understands where soul music (in the fullest extent of the meaning) came from but has no intention of simply recreating the past. Rather, this is an album that borrows the finest ingredients from six decades of rhythm and blues, Motown, doo-wop and gospel, to reinterpret this long-lost part of Francis’ musical canon, blending them into something that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
‘Girls Will Be Girls’ opens the album up, immediately setting the scene with a tip of the hat to all those great doo-wop girl groups, its breezy brass and irresistible vocal hooks making it sound like a forgotten gem from the early sixties that has somehow found its y to way into the present day. Classic songwriting never goes out of fashion.
The old-school soul credentials continue with ‘All I Wanna Do’, a song built on all the raucous rhythm and boisterous blues of the most upbeat and infectious Wilson Pickett number. For those not so au fait with his sound or scene, think The Blues Brothers or better still, all that glorious music found in The Commitments movie, and you will be in the right place. (Rest easy, brother Glen.)
The musical momentum barely lets up as ‘The Beat Don’t Stop’ lives up to its title, channelling the urgency and exhilaration of Martha and the Vandellas, less like a song, more a sermon, joyfully preaching to the converted devotees of the holy trinity of The Beat, The Groove and the Good Time.
Elsewhere, ‘Natural Thing’ demonstrates that this is no exercise in nostalgia. Neo-soul sophistication, pop polish, sassy, sexy, sax-led sonic flourishes and flashes of roots-rock guitar collide effortlessly, creating a sound that honours its influences while remaining firmly rooted in the here and now.
The pace eases, but it is not all full-on party music; even the most dedicated dancefloor denizens need to come up for air, which they can do with ‘What’s Good For Me’, a beautifully judged mid-tempo ballad whose rich textures reveal more with every listen. The shimmering Hammond organ and soaring gospel harmonies provide the emotional heart of the record, reminding, as always, less is…well, you know.
If ever there was proof that soul music isn’t something confined to the past but a living, breathing art form, this is it. Rooted in tradition yet never trapped by nostalgia, the album celebrates the music’s glorious past while confidently carving out its own place in the present. Classic influences, contemporary flair and not a wasted moment from beginning to end.
Any project of this type is a team effort; the final piece of post-production is as key to the finished results as the artists’ first songwriting thoughts. Production duties were handled by Monique Grimme, whose trademark blending of traditional techniques and innovative forward-thinking technologies gives the album, as all Bongo Boy releases, a modern and deftly finished sound.
A final thought: it would be interesting to hear the originals to see their sonic journey, though that may be too revealing and could break the creative wall. Best to rejoice in the fact that songs which might have otherwise never had their day in the sun are now the soundtrack and celebration of all things soulful.
Discover more from Dancing About Architecture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
