Better to Have It

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Song Title Time Price 3:05 $0.99 3:05 $0.99 3:37 $0.99 4:34 $0.99 Visit our audio page for more information Bobby Purify a.k.a. Ben Moore, whose rich, melodious voice enhanced later hits by the duo James & Bobby Purify, has come out of retirement with the help of producer and songwriter Dan Penn and several legendary players of the American Soul era. Better To Have It features thirteen new songs, twelve of which were written by Penn with Carson Whitsett and Hoy "Bucky" Lindsey. Purify/Moore also adds one of his own to the effort. In producing the album, Penn requisitioned an R&B brain trust. Key members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (Spooner Oldham, keyboards; David Hood, bass; Jimmie Johnson, guitar) and others, such as Carson Whitsett of Malaco fame, keyboards; along with Reggie Young of Memphis, lead guitar; and Wayne Jackson of the Memphis Horns; come together on this 16-track analog recording with superb results. Featuring liner notes by legendary producer Jerry Wexler, Better to Have It is the "Must-Have" Southern Soul Album of 2005. See all Reader Reviews This is Bobby Purify -the name alone already should announce what's possible- returning from oblivion and putting together his first album in many years. I understand, he's gone through some very hard times which, unfortunately, is not an isolated case. He's not the only great musician who's lack of recognition seems to be inversely proportional to his tremendous talent, yet this album -if it receives the proper attention it deserves- should change all that. Exquisitely produced by Dan Penn and backed by some of Muscle Shoals greats like Spooner Oldham and Jimmie Johnson, this album is an absolute gem of Southern Soul. When Jerry Wexler, in the liner notes, mentions Purify's name next to Arthur Alexander or Otis Redding, I don't believe he's exagerating. Bobby Purify, after almost forty years of singing, still has one of the most beautiful Soul voices I've ever heard. His tone, phrasing and capacity to bring out the heart out of every word is stunning, this is a master lesson on how to bare one's deepest feelings without ever losing sight of the song nor indulging in vocal acrobatic. Revealing everything without ever showing off. It's hard not to mention every song included here, each a gorgeous example of great singing, thoughtful arrangements and dead-on atmosphere, but if pushed to it I've got to say that the ballads are the biggest gift. "Things Happen," "Forever Changed," "Testimony Of A Fool," and "Hate To See You Go" can be enough to justify a singer's career, let alone be found in one album. The rest of the album does not stay behind and, again, the production and arrangements -the horns, guitar and piano are wonderful throughout- offer Purify the perfect backdrop to let it all come out and touch your heart like the sweetest breeze, or a longed-for blessing.  Comment | Permalink |  (Report this) Back To Top