Search - Marva Whitney :: I Am What I Am

Welcome back, Super Diva!

Phil S. | USA | 09/03/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"What a great happening! James Brown's most popular Diva (from the 1967 to 1970 Soul to Funk explosion) has recorded her first album since the '70s.

If you love her King singles and live Album (mostly from the 1969 Georgia session), you'll find alot of funky fun in these groovy grooves.

The Osaka Monaurail [the band name makes one think of the 1975 "JB Monaurail" l.p.] comes up with some very deep and cutting cuts, though it comes off a bit mechanical. A one or two chord exposition still needs some air, some atmosphere. I'd still match it up to alot of what the Average White Band released - another good, collegian aggregate of JB's worshippers.

The title title works well, though a little out of sync in spots, and carried on too long. Track two, titled "Soul Sisters (Of The World Unite)" is not the song pressed on "James Brown And Friends, Volume Three". Lyrics are just as good. Production is not.

"He's Mine", is a very sexy, whsipered statement riding a throbbing bass line and chunky g-box.

"Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose", yeah, that's the familiar title and tune, and Marva does a nice job. Wish they slowed it down and added some echo, but it is what it is....and my body shook.

"Peace In The Valley" is the closer. A quiet, reverential sound, a stand-alone rendition of the song we've heard by Red Foley, George Beverly Shea, by Mahalia jackson, by Elvis Presley.

I sense that's where Marva's *musical* heart is right now. Hey, a Gospel album by Marva Whitney would be a great Christmas gift. Hear that, Freestyle Records?"