By Esther Callens
The ultimate in pure soul presented in its original form! This is what you get once you listen to Always Soulful, the latest collection from singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumental Shake Anderson. This brother sings it like it is – straight from the heart with nothing but solid emotions. He is awesome!
Shake Anderson’s career spans decades as he often played numerous instruments backing rhythm and blues A listers. He is also the author of numerous hits as his songwriting skills are incomparable. Now Anderson has acted upon the advice that soul legend Ray Charles once gave him, he has recorded his own songs. Anderson states “I’ll never forget it – he (Ray Charles) told me I need to stop writing songs for others and sing the songs myself. One thing is for sure, Always Soulful is a fantastic introduction.
Always Soulful is comprised of 15 tracks all of which he wrote, with the exception of the finale (Exodus by Bob Marley). The set opens with “Where Angels Never Go.” It encompasses a slow tempo that’s very emotional. “Sad Comment” is a lively tune that is perfect to dance to. “The Only Game In Town” is simply a beautiful tune. The same can be said about “You” as the lyrics and melody are perfect. An old school blues feel is heard in “A Mind To Leave” and “Baby Why.” These tracks are on fire! Always Soulful offers the finest in great, soulful blues – the kind of music there is never enough of.
Sammy Louis aka Sam “Shake” Anderson is a Louisville, Ky. native. He has worked with Ruben Studdard, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Bruce Hornsby, B.B. King and countless others. He was also the music director for the Impressions.
Track listing: Where the Angels Never Go; If I Say It; Sad Comment; Never Be Fooled Again; Wasted Away; Set It Off; The Na Na Song; When 1 & 1 = 3; Sold Me Down the River; A Mind to Leave; Baby Why; Tumblin Down; The Only Game in Town; You; and Exodus.
