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Singer Lee still has it
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This review first appeared in the November 2, 1992 issue of the North County Blade-Citizen (now North County Times).
Frankie Lee hasn't been heard from in a while, and it's too bad. He has one of the most distinctive vocal sounds of any soul singer, and 1984's "The Ladies and the Babies" on HighTone stood alongside Johnny Taylor and Otis Clay's work.
Lee is back, now, though, paired with saxophonist Doug Newby. "Sooner or Later" is more blues-oriented than Lee's fans may be used to. Lee's voice is a little rougher now, and the pace of the music perhaps not so well-suited to his warm vocal style, but he and Newby have a certain feeling between them that lifts the music up.
Guitarists Willie T. Brown and Jimmie Williams play with as much soul as anyone, while the rhythm section of Glenn Foster (bass) and George Smith (drums) keeps the whole thing swinging.