Search - Vesta :: Everything-N-More

VESTA IS ALL THAT . . .

06/12/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Aretha Franklin may be the Queen of Soul, but Chaka Khan's vast body of work, and numerous protege and imitators would indicate her influence in pop music is not something to be over-looked. Vesta Williams is one of several former back-up singers to Ms Chaka who have gone on to solo careers of their own (others Sandra St. Victor, Penny Ford, and Meli'sa Morgan). Vesta (who dropped the sur name few albums ago) has the pipes and energy to bring any recording session to a halt and the album "Everything N' More" is a great showcase for her particular brand of emotive singing. On the funky side, we have what is perhaps the best re-make of the Gap Band's "Outstanding" smash ever on record - thanks to Chuckii Booker's arranging talents. Also, "So Good" is one of those long long funk jams that makes you want to get dressed-up and go out dancing!On the slower side the best tunes would be Vesta's collaborations with Brian McKnight (a musical marriage made in soul heaven) "Over & Over" and "Can't Let Go", the latter makes you want to reach out to the singer and offer a hanky and a few words of wisdom to just move on and forget about the pain of the past . .. But she sings the misery so well. Vesta even flaunts her jazz-singing chops on at least two tracks, the soft, plea of "Tell Me" and the introspective mid-tempo "In Your Mind", where the scatting is old school and the instrumental surroundings contemporary nods to the past.This album should be in your collection if fine versatile soulful vocals are what you really like to listen to.Go buy it!KDP"

A Great Fourth Effort

Kirk Douglas Provo | 09/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album shows her always impressive vocal stylings. There are many good songs on this album & nearly no filler! She has a bit of a more individualized sound here than on her pervious album! This is an album that you will not want to miss!!!"