Reviewed by Paul Keeble

Judson once recorded a critically acclaimed but poorly selling blue-eyed soul album for Atlantic. The implication from some of the lyrics is that Judson Spence is returning to the limelight after a traumatic few years. The album itself is somewhat short at 33:15, but what an action-packed half hour! It holds the interest with a selection of well written songs over often sparse but always apt instrumentation, some underlaid with superb funk grooves. The non-big budget/big production is clear and refreshing. Several influences show, the most obvious one being TAFKAP. In places there's a similarity to Charlie Peacock, another Prince-influenced artist. There are occasional surprises (pleasant ones) - tijuana-style brass on "We Are Blessed", sprinklings of tapes and samples. Basically, the guy is dripping talent. This release is on an independent label and written, recorded and mostly played by Judson himself (he was formerly with US major, Atlantic). I'm not familiar with his previous stuff but I detect a desire to reinvent, have more integrity, creative control, etc. Hence, 'Painfaithjoy' does feel overall a bit transitionary and experimental, a flexing of the creative muscles, but it's still excellent. The next one should be absolutely incredible.

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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