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Percy Mayfield’s “Never No More,” is quite simply, a joyously leg-aching joint jumper with Frank enjoying every
second. The surprise here is a splendid, heartache-filled, slowburning version of John Lennon’s “Imagine” .
Frank commandingly dominates the piano-led number which is immersed in a deep southern-soul groove, complete
with emotive horns and percussion.

Greatly Endorsed!

Brian Harman

Samantha Martin – Run to Me Gypsy Soul Records - Gsr008cd

“Send the Nightingale”, Samantha Martin’s debut album was a massive
success and accrued five Canadian Maple Blues nominations in 2016. Since
then Samantha has been nominated three years in a row as Female Vocalist
of the Year at the Maple Blues Awards.

Samantha Martin and Delta Sugar's “Send the Nightingale”, was a stripped
down affair consisting of Samantha, her two co-singers Sherie and Stacie,

and guitarist Mikey McCallum. This one is very different. Produced by Darcy
Yates, all ten of the tracks on the album were written by Samantha sometimes
with the assistance of Curtis Chaffey who plays guitar on the album and
also by Canadian singer Susie Vinick.

The band’s music is often referred to as being in a high energy ‘soul revue’ style and the band have completed
shows in the US and Canada, solidifying their craftsmanship. The production is immaculate and the songs range
from catchy tunes like “Gonna Find It” and Philadelphia soul such as, “Will We Ever Learn”. The horn section - I
love horn sections - is Shamus Currie (trombone), Andrew Moligun (sax) and Thomas Moffett (trumpet) and is
outstanding. As the publicity material declares, the album explores the full range of the “vicissitudes of love:
desire, betrayal and, at times, emotional and sexual satisfaction”. But……..

For me it’s all a tad bland. I can’t really put a finger on, it but despite it all, there is an air of sameness about it
all, and it often veers just a little too much towards the middle of the road. But it may just be me.

Samantha and her band are on tour in the UK shortly so why not check them out and see if I’m right. I really
hope I am not

Ian K McKenzie