Artist: Cecil Parker
Profile:
Cecil Parker’s Chirpin’ could be described as good-time R&B. Produced by sax player Sam Peake (Evelyn “Champagne” King’s Shame), the album has an open, airy mix that allows both band and singer to be heard equally (the same could be said of Peake’s work on Heaven & Earth’s That’s Love). As on King’s Smooth Talk, there’s a subtle jazz vibe throughout Chirpin’. Arranger Fred Wesley’s horn charts at times recall his work with James Brown. The buoyant ballad “I Think It’s Time” has elements of “Bali Hai” from South Pacific. Other highlights include “Get on Up,” the single “I’ve Been Missing Your Lovin’,” “What It Is,” and “You Put Some Fun in My Life.” Ed Hogan, All Music Guide
We’ve never been able to figure out the title of this one (a definition of “chirpin”, anyone?)– but the record’s a smooth set of modern soul, cut right during the same time as William DeVaughan’s album for the TEC label – and with a very similar feel! Cecil Parker’s vocals aren’t really the main attraction here – as the warm arrangements and gentle grooves in the set kind of grab us from the start – pulling us in with a seductive sort of energy that would be good, no matter who was singing. Titles include “What It Is”, “Get On Up”, “Love Is”, and “Your Love Keeps Me Going”.
Album: Chirpin’
Release date: 1980
Tracklist:
1. Get On Up
2. Love Is
3. I Think It’s Time (To Let You In My Life)
4. You Were There
5. I’ve Been Missing Your Lovin’
6. What It Is
7. Your Love Keeps Me Going
8. You Put Some Fun In My Life
‘What It Is’ On YouTube
Vinyl Covers & Labels (Click On The Thumbnails)
