Search - Leon Sylvers :: Leon Sylvers

Big Brother Sylvers

d.nice | richmond,va | 10/19/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is the long out of print 1989 Motown album from Leon Sylvers III, eldest of the family soul-funk ensemble The Sylvers. The 11 tracks capture Leon writing,producing playing Bass and singing ofcourse. The music is very reminiscent of late 80's early 90's R&B with a slick studio sound and Drum programming from Sylvers. The studio highlights here are "Time Machine" a synth funk-pop piece that sound echoes Soul Train circa '88/89'. "When Love Moves in" and "Safe and Sound" captures Sylvers as a soul vocalist in top form. No other member of the Sylvers family appear on this record, and overall it's not a bad album.Leon would also emerge as a producer in demand; working with The Whispers, (And The Beat Goes On"), Shalamar,(The Second Time Around" & "Take That To The Bank"), as well as Gladys Knight & The Pips,(You're No1, in My Book")He would also write the hit "Before I Let You Go" for the R&B group Blackstreet.I admit I dont recall this record's debut (However I slightly recall the 12' version of "Make it Count" being pumped in a nightclub in 1990)but then again Motown had released many unrememberable albums doing that mid to late 80's period (anyone recall those Giorgio or Vanity 1980's Motown albums??) Leon Sylvers III solo debut is a wonderful flash from the funky past."