Another goodie from ITP Records.
GQ's lead singer and guitarist, Emanuel Rahiem LeBlanc uncannily clones the phrasings and vocal inflections of
Marvin Gaye and
Billy Stewart. A new song "Star In Your Eyes" sounds like an old
Billy Stewart tune, but isn't, and "Time For Classics," tributes' the good ole days,
the Originals ("Baby I'm For Real") assist
GQ on the number. LeBlanc gives
Stewart and
Gaye's material masterful, readings. His voice sounds better on "I Do Love You," and "Sitting in the Park," then it did the first time he remade them years ago. One of
Stewart's prettiest ballads "Strange Feeling" is closer to the original than a recent rendition by label mates,
Sly, Slick & Wicked.
He's as effective doing
Gaye, LeBlanc's interpretations of "Let's Get It On," "Distant Lover," "What's Going On," and "If I Should Die Tonight," reeked of authenticity, and are as enjoyable as the originals. ~ Andrew Hamilton