Bobby Caldwell has a suave machismo that accompanies his still-strong vocals and endears him to his loyal fans. He’s worked hard over the years to sustain his early success, touring and recording the musical style of blue-eyed soul he helped fashion in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. I admit I was not a fan of what they called MOR easy listening AM radio at that time, but a whole generation bought into the formula—well-crafted love songs sung with hummable choruses. Caldwell added horn-infused soul and R&B influences from the great black artists of the ‘60s and set a new trend that would be copied by a string of his protégés.

His first two numbers, “First Time” and “Jamaica,” display the expert at his craft—funky groove beats, layered harmonies and heavy synthesizer-powered melodies. Bobby’s vocals are assured, sounding like a much hipper Frank Sinatra. His megahit, “What You Won’t Do for Love,” “All or Nothing At All” and “Heart of Mine” (written for and popularized by Boz Scaggs) wash over you and get you moving with their relentless dance grooves. My favorite song of the evening was a lovely Sinatra-esque ballad, “Stuck on You,” showing off Caldwell’s variety and ability to sell a standard. “Coming Down from Love,” another superhit, helped define the ‘80s and his fans still remember those times with joy. If you’re a fan of easy listening R&B, there’s no better pleasure than seeing the master at work.

Steve Murray
Cabaret Scenes
August 18, 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org