Randy Crawford : The Warner Brothers Recordings (1976 – 1993) 3CD Box Set Review
This is just brilliant, so well researched and put together. The booklet goes through each CD almost track by track and I love the idea of themed discs as well.
The mastering by Nick Robbins is just stunning and will give anyone’s system a good work out.
This 57-song set includes the cream of her Warner Bros. catalogue recorded between 1976-1993, drawn from eleven albums (along with tracks from the classic all- star live jazz LP, ‘Casino Lights’) that all reflect the soul-baring breadth and depth of Randy’s musicality through her instantly recognizable voice.
Disc 1 features 20 roots R&B, Jazz, standards and the bluesier side of Randy’s balladry. Highlights include her redefining covers of The Eagles’ ‘Desperado’, Jerry Butler’s ‘I Stand Accused’, her instant standards ‘When Your Life Was Low’ and ‘One Day I’ll Fly Away’ (written by Joe Sample and Will Jennings), and the unforgettable ‘I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me’.
Disc 2 features 19 of Randy’s lushest love songs including ‘Now We May Begin’, ‘I’m Under The Influence of You’, ‘Endlessly’, her classic live duet of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell’s ‘Your Precious Love’ with Al Jarreau, ‘Rio de Janeiro Blue’, two Leon Russell chestnuts ‘Windsong’ and ‘Time for Love’, the timeless gems ‘I’m Glad There is You’ and ‘At Last’. The disc closes looking at love on the level of all humanity with a breathtaking live version of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’.
Disc 3 is a smorgasbord of Randy’s dazzling shapeshifting musical styles that includes her signature breakthrough hit with The Crusaders’ ‘Street Life’, the sassy dance rock jam ‘Blue Flame’, covers of Journey’s ‘Who’s Crying Now’ and Kenny Loggins’ ‘Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong’, her movie soundtrack classics ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door’, ‘One Hello’ and ‘Don’t Wanna Be Normal’, the rare European one-off 45 ‘Give Peace a Chance’, and the oft-covered anthem ‘You Might Need Somebody’ after which this anthology was named.
With an in-depth essay by project producer A. Scott Galloway that includes new commentary from Randy herself, Joe Sample, Nicklas Sample, Russell Ferrante, Steve Lukather, James Gadson and more, this compilation (executive-produced by SoulMusic Records’ founder David Nathan) features tasteful artwork by Roger Williams, and exquisite mastering by Nick Robbins.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
