Musical catharsis!
Miguel R. Santos | Sacramento, CA United States | 07/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album can be considered Leon Ware at his best; sensual, sexy, heartfelt. Give me this one anytime over Gaye's "I Want You". Marvin's album seems disconnected, absent of an overall plan, maybe because of its rushed release and 'borrowed' tracks. "Musical massage" was released slightly before, and it shows true substance, beautiful vocals (including two duets with Minnie Ripperton) shown in songs such as 'Holiday', or 'Musical Massage'. It also includes some unreleased tracks such as the unfinished and gorgeous 'Best of Two Worlds'. Its a shame that a record of this quality has to re-released by an independent British label, and bought as an import; Ware deserves as much recognition as Gaye in his own country. He's just as brilliant!"
Visit Marvin, sell musics, make money...become obscure !
Peppino | 12/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Does this say it all???
Leon Ware, gifted songwriter, emotional vocalist, and fine arranger has a well documented story. He wrote and completed a recording , to be recorded by Motown records, called "I Want You". The suite was then directed Marvin Gaye's way by Berry Gordy-- Mr Gaye went crazy for it! Mr Ware then allowed the record to be released with Marvin's vocals,only taking credit for compositions and production (w/Diana ross brother T-boy Ross, a bit of Motown nepotism...).
The rest is history, Marvin had a solid hit, following up "Lets get it On" and "What's goin On" !Now, Leon Ware recorded the musics for this cd, in the same vein as I Want You, this is where his sound was creatively at the time.
This recording was generally neglected, and when acknowledged,IRONICALLY was labeled an IMITATION OF MARVIN GAYE!!! CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!Anyway, it aint I Want You, but this cd has some DELICIOUS tracks, especially "Turn Out the Light", and the Marcos Valle influenced "French Waltz".Most of the other tracks have that I Want You sound that will forever be identified with Marvin, and they are nice too. Leon Ware never stays in one "bag", he has recently made a recording of standards, very nice called "Candlelight",and a real bonus, his 10000 star recording "Rocking You Eternally" has been re-issued(import again, of course, IH!!)."Rockin You.." should be devoured by you "Brasilianistas" out there, as Marcos Valle plays keyboards and co-writes many of the songs-----pega no compasso de Leon Ware--all 3 cds are belonging in the collection!SAD SAD SAD , Leon Ware is almost completely neglected in his own country, it takes the import labels to issue the wonderful sounds. WAKE UP .USA record companies, and quit feeding your youth "musical jelly beans", give 'em something they can sink their teeth into, start with LEON WARE (well, start ANYWHERE , hehehehe!).too many stars , I dont wanna write alla them zeros! Get your Musical Massage, x-rated for "x-cellent"!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1