Reviewed by Peter Timmis

It's surprising that the busy Mr Jones has found time alongside his other commitments, including ministerial work with wife Fiona Hendley, to cut this solo blues and soul set. But with a little help from his friends (including Eric Clapton, sax legend Ernie Watts and Stevie Wonder drummer Alvino Bennett) here it is. Mostly a selection of covers, with a few originals, one of which, the self-penned , "Choose Or Cop Out" stands out as one of the album's finest tracks. Paul urges the listener to find direction in life and the song is taken up a gear by Clapton's fiery and instantly familiar guitar tones. Another highlight is the title track, a cover of a 70s soul oldie by Mel & Tim. "Starting all over again is gonna be tough but I pray the Lord will help us to make it" Paul adds to the lyric as the experienced musicians around him build the song to an exciting climax. Produced by Carla Olson (Otis Rush, Taj Mahal amongst others) the record really breathes with a tight but organic sound. You could almost close your eyes and imagine you were listening to Britain's blue eyed soul man in an intimate blues club. A welcome bonus track is another cover "Big Blue Diamonds", a smoulderingly soulful song here lovingly performed with 60s soul legend Percy Sledge. Rather surprisingly, the two singer's voices compliment each other perfectly as they trade lines. On Johnny Taylor's "If You Love Me (Like You Say)" Paul sings "I'm cool, I know the rule", I wouldn't disagree with that.

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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