Search - Ricky Fante :: Introducing Ricky Fante

Smile For Some Real Soul!

retro_styled_crooner | Tustin, CA USA | 06/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ricky Fante's voice sounds like it was created by chewing on glass, swallowed it and decided to choke it down without a drink of water. The former choirboy sings like the lost child of Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. He's a throwback and the retro styled cover hints that. The material is so retro that the untrained ear would never have guessed this record (EP) to have been released in 2003. Ricky Fante gives the R&B world a breath of fresh air with this splendid introduction of four tracks. His voice is gravelly and sweet. If Otis Redding's "Pain In MY Heart" and "These Arms Of Mine" had a twin brother, Ricky Fante's "I Let You Go" would be the fraternal twin. The number is an aching ballad, rooted to the Southern Soul era - hoarse, gritty vocals, and brassy arrangements. Ricky Fante comes off as solo David Ruffin on "It Ain't Easy." His emotionally sang delivery, lyrics, and tone are shockingly similar to Mr. Ruffin on this uplifting number; powered by a backing choir, extremely catchy hook, and lush intrumentation. Though Ricky fails to sing with that same hole in his heart the same way his predecessor's Redding, Pickett, Carr, Ruffin, and Solomon Burke did, he exudes astonishing power, energy and boldness. Ricky Fante can billed as a copy cat, possessed by an old-soul, or just a young kid whose style harks back to the days of classic soul. Very safe, predictable and smooth, but it's Ricky Fante's rich voice with plenty of grit and soul that should be causing the hype."

Very Tasty

CSA68 | Houston, TX | 03/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, stop, drop everything and go buy Rewind by Ricky Fante (Virgin Records). Catharsis doesn't even begin. This man hurts so bad and feels so good. This is the kind of first release that makes me rue my Anglo-Saxon descent. There may be additional reasons but T.M.I. doesn't even begin. Ricky gets his paltry ration of serotonin from a tighter than tight horn section and Do-Wop Ladies [sic - the girl moniker would be an insult]. Ricky's debut EP is also available but all tracks are re-released on the album and in this case more is better. Bottom line: The Reverend and Otis had a love child and his name is Ricky!"

Soul Music is Back!

CSA68 | 06/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just when I thought soul music was dead, I saw this guy on the CBS Early Show, and he simply blew my mind! Not since the days of Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett have we heard anyone sing with such raw emotion and feeling! Much R&B music today sounds forced and pre-packaged; but THIS guy is the REAL DEAL! The SAME DAY I saw him on the Early Show, I went out looking for his CD; I found this EP, and I absolutely love it! I can't wait for "Rewind" to come out! If you haven't heard this guy sing, buy this EP! It's only got four tracks, but it's worth every penny!"