Search - Brooklyn Dreams :: Music, Harmony and Rhythm: The Casablanca Years

Dreams Offers Joe "Bean"'s Finest Vocals...

04/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a powerful and soulful voice Joe "Bean" Esposito of Brooklyn Dreams has ! At times his voice is reminiscent of Michael McDonald's or similar to the crooning of Barry White's, but with a smoother and lighter edge. It's a shame that he did not get the recognition he deserved back in the late 70's and 80's (or today) as a solo artist---of course he did not release a lot of albums, either. His only memorable contributions were for the Flashdance soundtrack and as co-lead vocal on Donna Summer's Heaven Knows from her Live & More album. This song is also featured on this collection with vocal reversal roles (Joe as the lead and Donna as the co-lead for an interesting treat) ! The spicy reggae track Daigo offers listeners an example of what other musical genres Brooklyn Dreams were capable of mastering had they gone further in their career. Sad Eyes and Lady,Lady,Lady tone things down with their warm and sensual lyrics and instrumentation and romantic atmosphere. Although Brooklyn Dreams included Donna Summer's husband Bruce Sudano and the fact that the group often backed Donna on some of her songs (Casablanca Records), in no way does this collection have the Donna Summer disco sound. The best way to describe the groups music is to think of the 70's funk group Wild Cherry or the Average White Band in a more toned down civilized R & B fashion. This collection should be a definite part of anyone's various genre c.d. library ! It is highly recommended not just for its music, rhythm, and harmony, but for its awesome soulful male-lead vocals from Joe "Bean" Esposito !!!"