Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, but (from the album Green Light

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, but (from the album Green Light

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, but (from the album Green Light available on Soul Colossal Music) (By Lee Zimmerman)
With their sixth album, Green Light, Soul revivalists Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal comes into their own like never before. A fiery set of riveting R&B, it recalls the classic sounds of Stax, Motown and Philly International, when the companies were at their absolute prime. In fact, the authenticity is assured, courtesy of an absolute dedication and determination. It’s an anthemic effort in every regard, one that delivers emphatic emotion, power and prowess at every turn.
That said, it’s little surprise given the fact that the band perform upwards of 125 shows a year. Josh Hoyer says his intent with this album was to bring people together, and indeed, given the uplifting sounds and driving delivery, they prove that point well. Hoyer’s gruff vocals convey the absolute authenticity of a seasoned soul man, and on songs such as “Evolution”, “Business as Usual”, and “Harmony,” his wail packs a wallop that permeates the proceedings with absolute emphatic intent. Hoyer and company mix other elements into the mix as well, including funk, jazz and big ballads, all of which show off their skills to an even greater degree. So too, the expressive emotion that shines through “Loneliness” and “Mirrors” in particular ring with steadfast assurance, bringing to mind the soulful strains of Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Donny Hathaway, and the sounds that echoed from the streets of New Orleans, Detroit, and Memphis at a time when those cities represented the absolute essence of Rhythm and Blues as an American art form.
Likewise, when the band move and groove with the Jazzy shuffle “Mr. One Up” or show off some Funky finesse courtesy of “Green Light” and “Shou Shou Do”, they prove their ability to get crowds up on the dance floor and in sync with the sounds. To that end, each of these ten tracks clearly qualify as stand-alone singles.
Ultimately, Green Light signals the arrival of a band that holds true to their musical mantra by connecting past to present and making their music meaningful to those who want to celebrate in communal fashion. As the title suggests, this outfit continues to move forward. (by Lee Zimmerman)
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