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Review: Long-serving New Orleans soul man Willie West has previous form when it comes to collaborating with The Soul Investigators, Finland's funkiest backing band. He's joined forces with them plenty of times over the years, though this is their first joint release for nearly two years. "I Just Can't Leave You Alone" is particularly sweet, with West's heart-felt vocal combining brilliantly with guest Jimi Tenor's drifting flute lines and the band's rich jazz guitars, fuzzy grooves and '60s style production. The sublime quality of their playing and production is even clearer on the accompanying Instrumental take.

Review: Since making his debut back in the early 1990s, Carlton Jumel Smith has periodically popped up on a variety of soulful house and modern soul releases. Here the little-known vocalist takes a different approach, re-casting himself as a throaty, James Brown influenced '70s soul singer. He's at his heartfelt, full-throttle best on "Can't Love You Any More", a deliciously heavy and authentic chunk of Southern-fried deep soul complete with additional falsetto parts from fellow singer Pratt. The key to the track's success is the fantastic backing provided by Cold Diamond & Mink. Proof is provided on the flip via the band's effortlessly good instrumental take.