(May 17, 2018) Michael Lington has made a name for himself over the years as one of the world’s top contemporary soul and jazz saxophonists. Both as a solo performer and working with other big names, Michael has regularly given us both the sweet and funky stuff, and that will continue with his upcoming new album, Silver Lining, which will arrive on June 8.
For the new album, Michael teams with legendary producer Barry Eastman, who also co-wrote much of the album. And he has an all-star cast of musicians on hand, including Paul Jackson Jr. and Ray Parker Jr. on guitars, Freddie Washington and Alex Al sharing bass duties, Teddy Campbell on drums, Lenny Castro on percussion, and a number of other musicians appearing on a track or two – including one of the original Funk Brothers, Jack Ashford.
(May 17, 2018) Michael Lington has made a name for himself over the years as one of the world’s top contemporary soul and jazz saxophonists. Both as a solo performer and working with other big names, Michael has regularly given us both the sweet and funky stuff, and that will continue with his upcoming new album, Silver Lining, which will arrive on June 8.
For the new album, Michael teams with legendary producer Barry Eastman, who also co-wrote much of the album. And he has an all-star cast of musicians on hand, including Paul Jackson Jr. and Ray Parker Jr. on guitars, Freddie Washington and Alex Al sharing bass duties, Teddy Campbell on drums, Lenny Castro on percussion, and a number of other musicians appearing on a track or two – including one of the original Funk Brothers, Jack Ashford.
One track that caught our attention has Stax soul legend William Bell, a 2017 GRAMMY®-winner, singing lead on Michael’s stirring version of the Curtis Mayfield-penned “People Get Ready.” It is a beautiful pairing of two great artist on a song that carries as much meaning today as it did a half century ago.
Michael tell us about the song, "'People Get Ready' has always been one of my favorite soul songs. I obviously remember the original version from the great Curtis Mayfield but I was reminded about it again when I was in pre-production on Silver Lining. I watched an old episode of David Sanborn's tv show, Night Music and saw him do it with Taylor Dayne. At that moment I knew I wanted to do it on Silver Lining but was not sure who was going to sing it until I was invited to the Memphis Music Hall Of Fame (to induct Saxophonist Charles Lloyd) and heard and met William Bell. Right then and there I knew he would be the perfect person to do it. The best part….He agreed!"
We’re proud to present the WORLD PREMIERE of “People Get Ready.” Check it out below and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime pairing.
World Premiere!
Michael Lington feat. William Bell
"People Get Ready”