Willie Mitchell Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
This album, which was repackaged and retitled Soul Serenade a year after its original release, catches Willie Mitchell in superb form, not only as an arranger but as a leader fronting a first-rate ensemble. Apart from a somewhat predictable chorus on "Soulfinger," everything here has some subtlety in its presentation -- details in the arrangements that surprise on repeated listening, and a crispness in the recording (this is some of the best-sounding stereo soul music of its period) that makes the repeated listening fun. The material ranges from new Mitchell-authored instrumentals to covers of standards such as "Slippin' and Slidin'" and "Sunny" (which could've been considered for a double-A-sided single, and the latter might've just placed Mitchell onto the easy listening charts without compromising his sound; it's that good). The playing by guitarist Teenie Hodges is worth the price of admission and gets put in the spotlight surprisingly often, considering the abundance of first-rate reed and horn talent on hand. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It's Dance Time begins with an introductory run-through of the days popular steps, a brief warm-up for the listener. From there, Willie Mitchell delivers his usual solid set of instrumentals. While the album doesn't quite match up to Mitchell's best album, That Driving Beat, it does have plenty of highlights, including the swaggering "Buster Browne" and "Shake"-styled "When My Dreamboat Comes Home," complete with a lively fuzz-guitar and nice drum breaks. As with most Mitchell albums, most of the songs are over in two minutes' time, quickly moving on to the next dance craze, and the tracks include many tasteful cover versions. Those on It's Dance Time include "Twine Time," "Fever," and a bluesy "Since I Met You Baby." ~ Kurt Edwards, All Music Guide
