Hamish Stuart (AWB Related)

Hamish Stuart - Sooner or Later - 2000 - Sulphuric

"…soulful songwriting and guitar work." - Los Angeles Daily News

“17 years after his final AWB recording, released on his own Sulphuric Records, “Sooner or Later” was a gem, sounding much like a classic 70s AWB disc, but with a generally mellower, soulful feel. Leading with the upbeat instrumental, "Sooner," the album captured much of the old AWB groove while mixing in touches of Philadelphia soul ("New Kind of Fool") and Urban Adult Contemporary ("She Is My Lady"). Most of the disc was a collection of well written midtempo numbers ("Makin It Up," "I Don't Wanna Be A Rock," "Care For You") that lyrically discussed male-female relationships in a surprisingly vulnerable manner. And topping if off was "Midnight Rush," a hot funky tune that could have been an Average White Band cut, circa 1976. Stuart's voice, which spent more time on “Sooner or Later” in normal range than in his familiar falsetto, was solid throughout, and his guitar work and backing band were excellent.” © The Astor Community Theatre, Deal, Kent http://www.theastor.org/content/2013/07/hamish_stuart_1.html

Guitarist/bassist/vocalist and Glasgow native Hamish Stuart is best-known for his stint as one of the most actively contributing members of Scottish soulsters the Average White Band (best-known for their 1974 number one smash "Pick up the Pieces"). He also played in Paul McCartney's band during the '90s and over the years has worked with George Benson, Aretha Franklin, David Sanborn, Chaka Khan, and Easy Pieces, among others. In 1999, Stuart's first solo album, an old-style funk/soul record titled Sooner or Later, was released in the U.K.; it was issued in the U.S. the following year. © Steve Huey © 2011 Rovi Corporation. All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/hamish-stuart-p129363

Nearly two decades after the breakup of the Average White Band -- whose success was largely due to Hamish Stuart's blue-eyed soul vocals and songwriting -- comes his first solo album. But remarkably, Sooner or Later sounds like it was recorded near the group's prime. Although the harder edge of Average White Band has softened into a mid-tempo, jazz/blues/adult pop approach not far removed from Michael McDonald, Stuart's instantly recognizable, R&B-drenched voice hasn't changed. His vocals slide into a beautiful, effortless falsetto croon as the low-boil funk urges him on. This album could use a few more "Cut the Cake" groovers to keep it from slipping into snooze-ville, but during the ballads that dominate the track listing, Stuart pays homage to Philadelphia International's rousing '70s output. In fact, "New Kind of Fool" could be this album's "Me & Mrs. Jones," even though his singing isn't as engaging as Billy Paul's. Taken individually, these are fine examples of Stuart's talent and soul vision. But collectively, by track nine, the song quality gradually levels off and the romantic, easy-rolling groove gets redundant. Some compacting would also help, since nearly all the tunes topple the five-minute mark and many meander in their final minutes. Still, those wondering when the vocalist from Average White Band would finally cut an album will find much to enjoy here. Sooner or Later's best songs could easily have come from a classic on the order of Average White Band's Soul Searching, which is high praise indeed. © Hal Horowitz © 2011 Rovi Corporation. All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/sooner-or-later-r470873/review

Hamish Stuart (ex AWB) is often forgotten about, but with the Average White Band, his vocals, musicianship, and great songwriting ability made them a huge act in the R&B/soul funk scene from the early '70's into the early '80's. Since then he has played with artists like George Benson, David Sanborn, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, and Paul McCartney. "Sooner or Later" has been called "an old-style funk/soul record" but it does not have the deep soul funk grooves of the early AWB. It is more mainstream, in the style of artists like Michael McDonald or Billy Paul. However, mainstream doesn't always mean bad. Hamish's great voice carries this album. He still retains a lot of his great Motown and Stax R&B and soul sound, and the album is a very enjoyable and worthwhile recording. Compass Records said that “Ex-Average White Band vocalist, guitarist, and bassist steps out on a superb set of jazz and Latin-tinged R&B. Effortlessly musical, luscious and intoxicating, this is the best modern soul album you’ve never heard”. Listen to The Hamish Stuart Band's "Real Live" album which contains a great 13 minute version of the AWB's "Person to Person." The AWB's "Cut The Cake" and "AWB" albums are also outstanding examples of British soul funk. Have you heard Hamish's fabulous soulful rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine" on Paul McCartney's 1991 "Unplugged" album? Tremendous stuff ! Nearly forty years after Hamish Stuart first appeared on the scene, he is still very much at the forefront of modern R&B and Soul [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 155 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Sooner - Stuart 1:29
2 Makin' It Up - Lind, Stuart 7:07
3 It Is What It Is - Darbyshire, Musker, Stuart 5:54
4 Care for You - Stuart 4:25
5 I Don't Wanna Be a Rock - Lyle, Stuart 5:19 *
6 La La Land - Stuart 6:23
7 Or - Stuart 1:04
8 Reach You - Stuart 6:20
9 New Kind of Fool - Stuart 5:46
10 Same Old Moon - Stuart 5:17
11 Once There Was Love - Stuart 5:15
12 Midnight Rush - Bull, Maunick, Stuart 5:43
13 Later - Stuart 2:49
14 She Is My Lady - Clinton, Stuart 5:04

* N.B: Composed with the great songwriter Graham Lyle (Gallagher & Lyle)

MUSICIANS

Hamish Stuart - Guitar, Piano (Thumb), Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Adam Phillips - Guitar, Vocals (Background)
Steve Pearce - Bass
Andy Wallace Keyboards, Vocals (Background)
Ian Thomas - Drums
Jody Linscott - Percussion, Piano (Thumb)
Snake Davis - Flute, Horn Arrangements, Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor)
Richard Niles - String Arrangements