Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

It's been a couple of years since Birmingham-based Lester Davis released this, but yet it still feels totally fresh and vital. Taking a varying combination of grooves and vibey tracks and then adding his distinctive vocal style on top, Lester creates something unique. This straddles R&B and gospel reggae with a bit of pop thrown in. Something like "Got No Time" is a perfect example with its breezy chorus, whilst "Yes I Know" is much funkier with a driving beat and it's a rap attack on the homeless issue. Just when you think that it might be possible to peg Lester on styles he again surprises with the rock guitar and groove of "Its About Time". Then muted trumpet jazzy sounds are added to "One Step Closer" and if you want to go totally jazzy, "Walking With The Lord" shuffles with that late night feel as Lester croons! Just delicious! A bit of a skilful chameleon when it comes to his guitar playing (his session credits suggest that he's happy to play just about any style!), Lester's axe work underpins strong songwriting and vocal skills and with "For Me To Live" under his belt, there's no telling what the man is capable of pulling off next! But I'll be in the queue to buy it!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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