ATTN: REAL MUSIC LOVERS!! YOU MUST HAVE THIS ALBUM (I'M ALMOST WILLING TO BUY IT FOR YOU!)...



I've mentioned it before, but if you haven't heard this guy's only release, SKIN (Elektra, 1992, ASIN # B0002HAR), you missed out on one of the most refreshing R&B releases of the last 13 years!

The British-born Ephraim Lewis easily had one of the most well-controlled voices and greatest ranges of any male R&B singer introduced since. Of male artist who've debuted since '92, I'd say only Maxwell -- and maybe the fatally overproduced Trey Lorenz -- can match him in vocal performance.

Stylistically, if Maxwell can be called a cross between... say... Marvin Gaye and Prince; Ephraim was probably a cross between Gaye and Seal. He was poppier than Gaye, but far more soulful than Seal.

Elektra's now-defunct British unit spent an unprededented amount in promoting Lewis, but the energy of their overseas counterparts -- and the narrow scope of "New Jack Swing"-enamored radio in the early 90s -- didn't match. Lewis' debut sold only about 150,000 copies worldwide. His 1994 death, related to a fall off of a balcony after an apparent methamphetimine binge, cut his promise short, much to our loss.

Anyway, despite modest sales, critics raved about Lewis' debut, and his album remains decidedly in print by Elektra's parents, Warner Bros... and for damned good reason!

By all means, GET SKIN! If you like your R&B minus the gimmicks and "bling bling," with real, sample-free musicianship and a true vocal talent (not some recording studio Frankenstein's monster), you will definitely be at least impressed by Lewis, if not an immediate -- and necessarily brokenhearted -- fan.
[This message was edited Tue Oct 28 21:12:31 PST 2003 by Lammastide]