Philip Bailey - Love Is Real (EP) (2010)

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    Philip Bailey
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    Philip Bailey's voice has been a part of the soundtrack of many people's lives for more than four decades. Bailey's falsetto along with the Phoenix Horns and Maurice White's vocals were major parts of Earth, Wind & Fire's signature sound during the group's salad days in the 1970s and early 80s. 

    Bailey has expanded his vocal and musical range since then EWF's peak. He's become a collaborator with artists such as George Duke and Phil Collins while evolving into more of a leadership role with EW&F because illness prevents White, the group's founder, from touring regularly. These days, fans are more likely to hear Bailey as a solo artist. Since 1983, when EW&F released Powerlight and Bailey dropped Continuation, Bailey has had more solo projects than albums with the "baddest band in the land." He adds to that count with the release of his latest project, the EP Love is Real.

    Philip Bailey's voice has been a part of the soundtrack of many people's lives for more than four decades. Bailey's falsetto along with the Phoenix Horns and Maurice White's vocals were major parts of Earth, Wind & Fire's signature sound during the group's salad days in the 1970s and early 80s. 

    Bailey has expanded his vocal and musical range since then EWF's peak. He's become a collaborator with artists such as George Duke and Phil Collins while evolving into more of a leadership role with EW&F because illness prevents White, the group's founder, from touring regularly. These days, fans are more likely to hear Bailey as a solo artist. Since 1983, when EW&F released Powerlight and Bailey dropped Continuation, Bailey has had more solo projects than albums with the "baddest band in the land." He adds to that count with the release of his latest project, the EP Love is Real.

    Love is Real features four tracks, with a fifth, "Cruel Time," available for free download at www.philipbailey.com. Bailey calls on all of his influences on Love Is Real, and notably displays a falsetto that is as strong as ever - especially on "Cruel Time." The music on Love is Real takes the listener from the disco/techno of the inspirational "Won't Waste Time" to the jazzy "You In I." Bailey has grown as a lyricist since his early days as a solo artist, and that growth comes through on "You In I."

    Bailey will probably always be best known as a lead vocalist for Earth, Wind & Fire, and there is no shame in that. However, over the course of three decades, the multi-faceted Bailey has made some of the best soul/jazz fusion, and Love is Real continues that trend, confirming that Philip Bailey's second and third acts, while quieter than his first, have been very satisfying.

    Notable Tracks: Cruel Time, We're Gonna Make It, You In I

    Vocals: 3.5
    Lyrics: 3.0
    Production: 3.0
    Music: 3.5
    Soultracks call: Recommended

    Howard Dukes