Classic Soul, Vol. 1 is a collection of previously issued tracks from soul/blues singer
Willie Clayton. Nothing here will disappoint, for
Clayton's smoke and whiskey-tinged tenor is a throwback to the days when R&B meant deep, deep soul. Woefully underappreciated,
Clayton should appeal to fans of
Al Green, the singer he most resembles. He tackles a
Green tune here, "Simply Beautiful," and it is a spot-on version that would pass a blindfold test. Highlights include the opening track, "I Love Stealin' It," but don't stop there. Like
Al Green,
Willie Clayton could sing a dinner menu and make it a classic. ~ Steve Leggett