Review
THE TEAM: Keeping The Faith
5.9
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UK release date 01.03.2009
Formed in 1982 by percussionist Clive Hare and bassman Kevin Kendall, The Team hooked up with Edwin Starr and stayed with him until his very untimely death in April 2003.
This magical combination of singer and musicians won them several prestigious awards including a pair from B&S readers who voted them ‘Best UK Live Act’ for two years running. Edwin’s younger brother Angelo has taken over as lead vocalist and just recently I caught them in concert where the aim was to party. Now, we’ve got their debut cd 'Keeping The Faith' which carries on where the live show left off.
Starting with the fast-paced 'Bless My Northern Soul', the smoother melodic tracks like 'You Gotta Try' quickly follow to compliment the beat. 'Freewheelin’ offers a pounding dance beat, while 'Can I Cry For You' and 'Best Of Everything' are among the cd’s highlights: mellow and moody, with tasteful support vocals. Lovely stuff.
The Team have obviously done their musical homework and the result is a combination of UK soul and US sophistication, where 'Only You' is perhaps the best example of this – and is my personal highlight here. Angelo sounds so much like his brother, without the mature edge and depth of voice, of course, and I can think of no-one better to carry on the Starr story. This is great and highly recommended.
Words SHARON DAVIS
