“Despite great talent, few original soul artists have been able to remain busy and vital through the decades, be it from lack of interest, bad management or declining self-esteem. Solomon Burke has proved one of the few exceptions, issuing albums packed with potent performances and several discs with a twist, like the 2006 country and roots collection “Nashville.” Here, he tackles songs by the likes of Eric Clapton, Ben Harper, Jesse Harris and Keb’ Mo’, several of whom guest on their respective tracks. Burke’s voice remains mountainous, of course, and Harper’s presence seems to nudge him to roar even louder—with hair-raising effect—on his “A Minute to Rest and a Second to Pray.” But Burke does his legend just as much justice just on the talk-sung, Clapton-penned “Thank You” and Harris’ summery, midtempo, Wurlitzer-soaked “You and Me.”—Wes Orshoski”
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