MHem [2024] - Little Sunflower [Pax Stereo]

An artist we've followed since his debut(?) album, "Friends With Benefits" in Sep last year is MHem (Mario Hemsely MD). We're pleased to see that his latest album of covers,"One Night Stand", has been gaining attention, especially for the vocal version of Kool & The Gang's "Summer Madness".

He has a new single out, a track not on the album, which is another cover. This time of jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's "Little Sunflower" originally written by Hubbard as an instrumental and released on his 1967 "Backlash" album. It was re-recorded in 1979 with Al Jarreau adding lyrics and vocals which this new version is based on. It was released as a single from Hubbard's "The Love Connection" album in 1979.

As with the last two albums the vocalist is once again Derran Day. The song is a whopping 12:34, over 3 minutes longer than Hubbard's 1979 album version, so unlikely to get radio exposure without being significantly truncated.

Most definitely one for the 'chin strokers'!

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Details

Rating:	8.4
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	Jazz
Format:	Single / Cover Version
Media:	Digital
Label:	Pax Stereo
Cat No:	None
Date:	24/05/2024
Key/BPM:	8A/1258A/125
Price:	£1

Copyright © 2009-2024 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

MHem [2024] - One Night Stand [Self Released] (Full Album)

We first came across MHem (Mario Hemsley) in Oct '23 with his first album "Friends With Benefits" which was a set of cover versions sung by Derran Day (the son on The Time's Morris Day). He has a new album out today, "One Night Stand", which again is a set of covers and presumably, although not specifically stated, features Day on lead vocals.

The highlights for us are the opening track which is a vocal version of Kool & The Gang's "Summer Madness", along with Dexter Wansel penned "I'm in Love Once Again" recorded by Jean Carn on her eponymous debut album from Philadelphia International in 1976. The version of Marvin Gaye's "Just To Keep You Satisfied" is also superb. 

It's a very pleasant listening album throughout with Day's 'smooth as silk' vocals.

Track listing

01 - Summer Madness (Kool & The Gang 1975)

02 - Color My World (Chicago 1970)

03 - So Beautiful (Musiq Soulchild 2008)

04 - I'm in Love Once Again (Jean Carn 1976)

05 - Just to Keep You Satisfied (Marvin Gaye 1973)

06 - Lover's Eve (Isley Bros. 1974)

07 - Deliver the Word (War 1973)

08 - Mysterious Vibes (Blackbyrds 1977)

09 - Love Is Like a Newborn Child (Randy Crawford  1979)

10 - So Beautiful (Dope Mix) (Musiq Soulchild 2008)

11 - One Night Stand (Poem) (Original)

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Details

Rating:	8.6
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	New Soul / Cover Versions
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Self Released
Cat No:	None
Date:	26/04/2024
Price:	£7.99

Copyright © 2009-2024 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved

MHem [2023] - Friends With Benefits [Pax Stereo] (Full Album)

L.A.'s Mario Hemsley MD spent over 30 years as a critical care paediatrician. With the support of his friend and collaborator Victor Allen, he turned to music and they formed Stereo Pax in 2003. 

Under his alias MHem he has produced his first set of music, "Friends With Benefits", which features the vocals of Derren Day (the son of The Time's Morris Day) on all tracks.

The standout track, "So Good", you may recognise as it was written and recorded by former leader of The Blackbyrds Kevin Toney on his "Extra Sensual Perception" album in 1999.

In fact all nine songs are covers but some are not necessarily what we'd describe as soul music, however, the interpretation of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", in particular, is very good.

This album may need a few listens (leaving prejudice at the door) as it's a real grower as a  pure listening album and we thoroughly enjoyed the new takes on some classic songs.

01 - Outside Your Door 

       (Me'Shell NdegéOcello "Plantation Lullabies" 1993)

02 - So Good 

       (Kevin Toney "Extra Sensual Perception" 1999)

03 - Hello 

       (Marsha Ambrosius / Floetry "Floetic" 2002)

04 - If You Want Me To Stay 

       (Sly & The Family Stone "Fresh" 1973)

05 - Falling Slowly 

       (Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova "The Swell Season" 2006)

06 - Lady In The Doorway 

       (Randy Goodrum "Solitary Nights" 1985)

07 - Both Sides Now 

       (Joni Mitchell "Clouds" 1969) 

08 - The Star Of A Story 

       (Rod Temperton / Heatwave "Central Heating" 1977)

09 - Moondance 

       (Van Morrison "Moondance" 1970) 

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Details

Rating:	8.2
Explicit:	N
Genre/Style:	New Soul
Format:	Album
Media:	Digital
Label:	Pax Stereo
Cat No:	None
Date:	30/09/2023
Price:	£7.99

Copyright © 2009-2023 SoulStrutter All Rights Reserved