Review

Brandon Williams: The Love Factor (Soulasis Music Group)

He was the one time protege of Grammy-winning super producer Michael J. Powell (Anita Baker) and in recent years Detroit Grammy Award nominee, Brandon Williams, has been at home equally as engineer, MD, arranger, multi-instrumentalist or go-to producer who has worked with a real who's who of soul and R&B stars/superstars including Frank McComb, Angie Stone, Leon Ware, Don Blackman, Jose James, Janelle Monae and Regina Belle to name but few… he's even worked with Motown's finest, Stevie Wonder.

It's these impeccable soul/R&B credentials which are on full display on William's latest release "The Love Factor", an absolute gem of an album with wall to wall standout performances from some of the best artists you'll find in their respective genres. Simply, "The Love Factor" is an album which ebbs and flows with opulent soul, there are expansive orchestra type numbers, straight down the line R&B belters and jazz/soul interlinking elegance.

Mouthwatering cuts include the deft vocals of independent soul royal Eric Roberson on "Don't Give Up". Noughties R&B inspired monster "In Love" features the impressively delicate tones of Brian McKnight Jr. Williams also tips his hat to one-time mentor Powell on "You're Mine" - a track which, production-wise, gives off more than an air of Anita Baker in her prime. There's even an intro/outro from the late great George Duke to compliment this immaculate release. It's an album connoisseur's will rave about and fans of soul & R&B will just love. "The Love Factor " has definitely got the x-factor.
Words LEE TYLER