Marcus Malone's new album has at long last been released after long protracted talks with Black and Tan Records has fallen through. The deal hadn't worked out for the benefit of both parties. In the near future however, a collaboration between the two is hoped to be reached, and certainly by the time the next album comes out. [A project which Marcus has already started to work on].

He had already cut eight tracks but hadn't got around to recording further material that he has already written when Black and Tan asked him to use the eight tracks and two previously released tracks from his earlier album, "One more time," to fill up the c.d. He did as they asked and cut the master tape. When Marcus then didn't sign to the record label, he decided to release the album anyway, [with the previously recorded tracks], because it was some time since his last album and he wanted to get the new material aired and not leave it in the can waiting for another Record label to sign him up.

He credits the album "Marcus Malone and Friends" because he has worked with different musicians with unique techniques for the sounds he was after. A small band would have been too confined and wouldn't have coped with the diversity of styles that is portrayed on the album. Marcus writes all his own stuff so he wanted it just as near as he has it in his head!

The c.d. explodes into life with "Good love gone bad," with Robin Bibi and Dan Smith on guitars and a rhythm section that includes the impressive Sam Kelly on drums. The sound has a unique feel to it, but probably could be described as a mixture between Stevie Ray Vaughan and Bad Company!
The title track, "Walking Shoes" has Otis Grand on guitar. He seems to wring out every drop of emotion from his guitar, while the horn section, comprising Simon Jones and Geoff Driscoll on saxes and Andy Gathercol on trumpet, kick-in and add to the funky sound. The vibe has a cocky swagger that certainly takes you on a funky walk. A terrific track with loads of guitar and lashings of tasty brass and of course, Marcus' soulful vocals.

The next track takes us into mellow textures with the wonderful "Take it to Heart" Papa George play's acoustic slide and national steel guitars. He also shares vocal duties with Marcus, where it's interesting to note the difference in vocal sound's - Papa's earthy tones and the smooth voice of Marcus ­ rather like coffee and cream - and boy do they mix well!

"Wrong side of love" again has Robin Bibi and Dan Smith trading riffs for a highly charged Rock-Blues number that oozes class. The horn section blends in some colourful sounds around the guitars with backing vocals from Shinga Shoniwa - her voice adding to the overall 'feelgood' vibe of the song which certainly cuts the mustard.

Otis once again sets the scene on the next track "Find somebody" with tasty licks. Dan Smith chugging along behind on rhythm guitar in front of the drums and bass, opening the way up for Otis to pull-off a breathtaking solo that only he can. Moz Gamble's keys add that extra bit of spice that's just right for a tasty RnB stew. "Day I've gone" with it's silky smooth vocals from Marcus and smouldering guitar from Robin Bibi bursts into a blistering guitar frenzy, then again cools down and sooths out into the fade out, rather like an express train disappearing into the night air.

Tommy Allen on guitar next for "Blue Jeans." Moz Gamble again supplies keyboards for this funky-blues-rock number that kicks ass. Macho-cool vocals from Marcus with expressive lyrics ­ you can almost see "what she do' to those blue jeans", if you, ahem, know what I mean!

"What About Me" finishes off the new material with Papa George again supplying acoustic guitar and backing Marcus' emotive vocals. Marcus once more accompanied by Shinga Shoniwa on backing vocals, and together they create a tender ballad that is well executed.

Now for the last two tracks that were released on the previous album "One more time." Both tracks "Tell me why" and "Dirty Shame" have Tommy Allen on guitar with great horns, driving bass, and searing guitar solo's. "Dirty Shame" especially, is a great live number that usually guarantees everyone onto the dance floor. Steve Watts' tinkering piano [with organ overlays], blend in nicely with a terrific sexy smouldering sax solo from Geoff Driscoll. The chorus has a catchy little line that you can't help joining in "it's-a low down, dirty shame!"

And I tell you what:- it will be a dirty shame if Marcus can't achieve the recognition he deserves after this c.d.'s release. It's a great album from an artistic and exquisite musician who writes very tasteful modern rhythm 'n' blues.
The purist's probably wont like it though, as it's a bit rocky, but for everyone else it will be a breath of fresh air that the British blues scene has been waiting a long time for

Mike Prendergast.