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Written by Butch Halpin A
year after they hit with “Making Waves”, the Craig Woolard
Band hits us with their new CD on the Sisbro label, “Come Get
To This”. As expected with the talented group of musicians Woolard
is so blessed to have in this band, we hear great horn work from Craig,
Andy King and Keith Stone, awesome guitar licks courtesy of J.K. Loftin,
killer keyboards a la’ Terry Nash, Greg Watson’s steady
bass, a driving drum beat from Sam Bryant and harmonies that take us
to church. All of these are found in the first song to the last. “River
of Love” kicks things off and features Craig on lead. He also
handles lead on the next one, the radio & dance friendly “What
You Gave Me”, which is one of my favorites. Another one that I
really dig is their version of The Drifters’ “Money Honey”.
Lead vocals are handled by Andy King. It takes a special voice to even
attempt to cover the great Clyde McPhatter, and Andy King is the only
person of the Caucasian persuasion I have ever heard to even come close
to McPhatter. All I can think of to say is he nails this song to the
wall. The backing vocals and Craig’s baritone sax add to his vocals
to make this my number one favorite off this CD. “I Can’t
Dance” comes up next, with Craig on lead. Like the music of Archie
Bell that is an obvious influence on this tune, this one has an infectious
rhythm and beat. Craig had covered music by David Ruffin in the past,
but now he has a band mate who can take the falsetto sound of Eddie
Kendricks and run with it. He and Andy team up with a soulful cover
Ruffin & Kendricks’ “I Couldn’t Believe It”.
“On The Beach” starts off with some great guitar work and
features Craig on lead. This one reminds me of music by Sergio Mendes
and could find favor with competition shaggers. The mid-tempo “Hopelessly
In Love” features Craig’s lead vocals and lovely female
back up vocals. “Every Time You Cry” also features Craig
on lead and has some great lyrics. Take a close listen, fellas. If you’ve
ever seen CWB live, you know bass player Greg Watson can also sing.
He gets the lead mike with “The Coast Is Clear”, another
shag friendly tune and does a great job. “Bet You’ll Never
Be Sorry” is heard next with a melody that gets in your head and
stays there awhile after you’ve taken the CD out of the player.
“Color Away” is on a compilation previously released, so
you’ve probably already heard it. This is a departure from the
usual for CWB, but is also another song that has some beautiful lyrics,
Craig’s heartfelt delivery and we get to hear daughter Carly at
the end. Next we have the title track, the popular Marvin Gaye cover,
“Come Get To This” that has seen a lot of chart action.
As a bonus cut, we’re treated to “Save Room For My Love”,
featuring CJ (Craig Michael Woolard). All in all, this is a well-produced
CD with some great music to dance or just listen to.
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