Review: Originally released on Flying Dutchman in 1973, Leon Thomas' Blues and the Soulful Truth is an outstanding slice of soul funk from one of the genre's all time greats. Thomas came to fame working with Pharoah Sanders on 'The Creator Has A Master Plan', but on this album he was in full flight writing his own songs, backed up by Pee Wee Ellis as a conductor and with Bob Thiele as producer. Thomas had an unflinching approach to his message, best heard on incredible cuts like 'Shape Your Mind To Die', but there's tenderness to match the toughness. Just listen to the sweetness of 'China Doll' on this long overdue reissue and take in the full spectrum of the Leon Thomas sound.
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