Author: Reagon, Toshi

Format: Import

Release Date: 01-02-2002

Details: For those who know her through previous recordings or as the daughter of Bernice Johnson Reagon (of Sweet Honey in the Rock), Toshi has a shock or two in store. Her previously acoustic blues- and gospel-based work has only hinted at the muscular rock and frenzied funk of her fourth and most freewheeling release. Her musical touchstones now include Talking Book -era Stevie Wonder, Prince, Rufus, and Living Color at their most raging. The modern gospel intro to "Real Love," Toshi's first recording with Sweet Honey, quickly detonates into full fury and "Drive It Home," with its uninhibited sexuality, comes on like Chaka Kahn fronting Lenny Kravitz's band. Reagon tends to mix her metaphors ("I'm just a little bit corny / Smiling like a baby with no troubles rumbling / And all cards on the table"), but musical and lyrical spontaneity this celebratory and emotionally wild is as hard to fault as it is to resist. --Roy Kasten

UPC: 793018283922

EAN: 0793018283922

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood