Photo courtesy of RGP Entertainment
(December 16, 2020) Listeners will likely recognize straight away the latest release by disco diva Jessica Williams, a cover of Al Jarreau’s touching 1988 ballad, “So Good” (also recorded by Mica Paris the same year on her debut album of the same name). Williams’ uptempo interpretation, which respectfully retains the understated essence of the tune, however, may well be an introduction for many to the soulful vocal prowess of an often overlooked industry mainstay.
Williams first made an impression on record in the late 1970s as part of studio disco group Arpeggio, who scored a top-five dance hit with “Love and Desire”—followed shortly thereafter by her debut solo outing, the top-20 “Queen of Fools.” While several of her subsequent ‘80s albums saw limited release in South American countries, the perseverant singer kept busy as a backing vocalist over the next two decades for the likes of Tina Turner, Ricky Martin, and Barbra Streisand.
(December 16, 2020) Listeners will likely recognize straight away the latest release by disco diva Jessica Williams, a cover of Al Jarreau’s touching 1988 ballad, “So Good” (also recorded by Mica Paris the same year on her debut album of the same name). Williams’ uptempo interpretation, which respectfully retains the understated essence of the tune, however, may well be an introduction for many to the soulful vocal prowess of an often overlooked industry mainstay.
Williams first made an impression on record in the late 1970s as part of studio disco group Arpeggio, who scored a top-five dance hit with “Love and Desire”—followed shortly thereafter by her debut solo outing, the top-20 “Queen of Fools.” While several of her subsequent ‘80s albums saw limited release in South American countries, the perseverant singer kept busy as a backing vocalist over the next two decades for the likes of Tina Turner, Ricky Martin, and Barbra Streisand.
Williams has put out a track here and there in more recent years, but the release of “So Good” marks her most visible return to the fold in some time. Paired with a simple yet charming video truly embodying the song’s message of the purest and most meaningful kind of love, the updated anthem finds her in top vocal form. Relaying the timeless message over an arrangement that is modern without being over-adorned, the single will hopefully garner her some long overdue acknowledgment from audiences at large.
Take a First Look at Jessica Williams’ treatment of “So Good” and let us know how it makes you feel.
Jessica Williams - "So Good"