While I was lamenting in the recent interview with Yolanda Charles that the producer field is mainly a male domain, I have totally forgotten about Angela Johnson, who’ve written, arranged and produced most songs of her debut album They Don’t Know on her own and also played the keys and did the drum programming. Her sophomore release Got To Let It Go gives us even more of Angela with her producing all twelve songs. Listening closely to her new album it’s obvious that Angela has made an important development musically, that makes her one of the outstanding and most talented singer, songwriter, producer, arranger in the soul/funk genre.
Her debut was an impressive album but Got To Let It Go is even better. Angela sounds more mature this time giving us songs that are more sophisticated with a raw cutting edge.
With twelve great songs it’s hard to pick a favourite but why not start with the album’s opener. If you’re not entranced by the uptempo gospel influenced On My Way then you should really ask yourself if you like soul music after all. Or take the driving jazz funk of Whatever It Takes with horn section and lots of percussion.
Early Bird is an interesting song. It’s not only a warm and majestic jazz fusion song with violin, horns and congas but it also features Tricia Angus on lead vocals. This song may be an indication what we can expect from Angela’s forthcoming project as a producer, with guests including Rahsaan Patterson, DJ Spinna and Deni Hines.
Of course there’s also the Angela Johnson present we know and love from her debut album and her collaboration as part of Cooly’s Hot Box (Where’s The Love? and Home Away From Home are good examples here). Furthermore Angela delivers a beautiful ballad with Tell Me that just oozes soul.
If you only buy a small number of records every few months make sure Got To Let It Go is amongst them. You will hardly find a more classy soul record this year (or any year) that sounds better from start to finish.

Tracklisting of Got To Let It Go: 1. On My Way/ 2. Anything/ 3. I’ll Always/ 4. Got To Let It Go/ 5. All I Need/ 6. Let’s Get Together (feat. Jeremy James)/ 7. You’re Here With Me/ 8. Early Bird (feat. Tricia Angus)/ 9. Tell Me/ 10. Where’s The Love?/ 11. Home Away From Home/ 12. Whatever It Takes | released 2005 by Dome Records

For more infos visit angelajohnson.com, purposerecords.com and domerecords.co.uk.

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