Leon Thomas – Blues and the Soulful Truth

Jazz and Blues vocalist Leon Thomas recorded Blues and Soulful Truth for Flying Dutchman in 1972. The album features a strong line up of musicians arranged and conducted by Pee Wee Ellis. ‘Let’s Go Down to Lucy’s’ is a slinky funky number with strong horn riffs. ‘Love Each Other’ is a lovely bustling brassy shifter that has become popular on the Modern Soul scene. ‘China Doll’ is an enchanting mid tempo track with a unique keyboard riff from Neal Creque, the last two numbers featuring great backing vocals from Carl Hall amongst other Soul vocalists. ‘Gypsy Queen’ is a long and intense Spiritual Jazz workout of Gabor Szabo’s track notably featuring Stanley Clarke on Bass and Airto on Drums. The album’s outstanding track though is ‘Shape Your Mind to Die’ a track too unique to categorise, which conjours up images of Arabia probably due to John Blair’s Vitar. Elsewhere there is the Bluesy ‘Boom Boom Boom’ and C.C.Rider. Strong and varied album.