So very nearly perfect, Homage will hopefully encourage the former Bronski Beat and Communards singer to explore a new chapter in his colourful career as a writer and producer.
With partner in crime John Winfield, Somerville’s sixth solo album is a sophisticated and enjoyable romp of a dozen superbly crafted disco numbers. By rule of thumb, the best disco tracks were produced before sequencers and synthsisters.
Somerville and Winfield understand every nuance of the genre and have orchestrated a glorious album performed by the funkiest band not produced by Mark Ronson. The rhythm section, horns and string arrangements are thrilling. But, as Mr Somerville knows, the best disco songs were sung by gospel singers from the US, and this album really deserves a world class vocalist.
But as a producing team, Somerville and Winfield have delivered a set worthy of Tom Moulton, Dan Hartman or Paul Jabara.
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