(July 15, 2023) It is a remarkable achievement when an artist sticks to their independent music roots from the get-go. Desi (AKA Desi Hill), has represented the Washington, DC area (and SoulTracks pages) for over two decades with a creamy tenor voice oozing the soul masters of the past few decades and showering plenty of original love songs.
Besides his stage performances with Jeffrey Osborne and appearing on the Arsenio Hall show, Desi still holds down his CLOUT Entertainment imprint showcasing DC favorites like the legendary Al Johnson. And Desi’s artistry was especially stirred by Johnson’s steady classic soul vocalizing and arranging, taking the reins on blasts from the past recalling Philly vocal groups like The Stylistics with “Make Up Baby.” Even better, Desi recruited fellow DC friends Gail Peterson and producer Stan Jones for a well-executed and well-thought-out medley of the Marvin (Gaye) and Tammi (Terrell) songbook, originally mapped out by Johnson before his passing.
For our latest First Listen installment, Desi crafts an edgier perspective of “Takin’ It as It Comes” (CLOUT Entertainment) which first appeared on his 2007 CD, Golden Lady. Interestingly enough, this song was given three different treatments, including a new jack swing jam and a sensual spoken ballad. In this updated version, the clicking rhythm track somewhat clashes with Desi’s silky vocal approach. That blip aside, the storyline breaks down how a flourishing romance remains intact over time. And Desi reminds us that honest love songs delivered in cool soulful fashion impacts the song’s message. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
Desi - "Takin It As It Comes"
