REVIEW: Arnold McCuller, Exception To The Rule (Canyon)
- Bob Gajarsky
When a soul crooner comes along, you get out of his way and admire the vocals. Arnold McCuller clears the road with his latest release, Exception to the Rule.
McCuller has appeared as a backup vocalist to many of today's biggest stars, including Phil Collins, Diana Ross, Todd Rundgren, Was (Not Was), the Ramones (!) and James Taylor. In fact, Taylor gushed over this release by proclaiming, "Arnold is the best! The waiting is over!"
Listening to the album sends several clear messages: McCuller's voice is an instrument which can be utilized effectively in combination with the backing jazz intstrumentation, and Arnold has effectively learned from his mentors. The Taylor influence is present on virtually every track and McCuller's performance calls to mind some of the great vocalists of the past 30 years such as Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Osborne and James Ingram. He also gets help on backing vocals from established veterans Rita Coolidge and Bonnie Raitt.
The album is definitely geared towards adult contemporary audiences; the effort has debuted on several AC charts, including Radio and Records and the Gavin Report. It's especially impressive considering the independent status of the label and the resistance which all indies must overcome.
In conclusion: Exception is not groundbreaking music, but fans of the slower Motown sound, James Taylor, or some of the adult contemporary stars of the late 80's should find an immediate place in their home for Arnold McCuller.
- Bob Gajarsky
