Bobby Womack is a living musical legend, little known to today’s generation but a 70’s session phenom and 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Womack’s career spans over 50 years and his 27th studio album The Bravest Man in the Universe merges his vintage funk and soul sounds with a contemporary twist developed by producers Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, Blur) and Richard Russell. Following Womack’s guest spot on Gorillaz’s 2010 Plastic Beach, the collaboration kicked into high gear, with tracks based on samples (including works from Womack’s mentees Gil Scott Heron and Sam Cooke) and electronics. All of the tracks are originals with two exceptions: a moving version of the African American spiritual “Deep River” and the reimaging of Womack’s “Whatever Happened to the Times.” Womack’s grizzled and raw vocals betray the hard life of an ex-addict, but with the release of The Bravest Man in the Universe and a recent victory over colon cancer, things are looking up for Womack, and the listening audience is the fortunate recipient of these rewards. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Gil Scott Heron, The Impressions, Curtis Mayfield, Teddy Pendergrass