Bill Withers
+ Justments

Hello dear Debaser friends! This time, with my time machine, I will take you to the legendary '70s and specifically to 1974. I want to do so by talking about this "+ Justments" by Bill Withers, one of my soul idols.

After bringing to light two gems like "Still Bill" (1972) and "Live At The Carnegie Hall" (1973), the American soul-singer returns with this interesting work, less popular than the previous ones but commendable.

The opening track You almost sounds like a sequel to "Use Me" (featured in "Still Bill"), while The Same Love That Made Me Laugh is appreciated for its smooth and bluesy groove. Even Withers' interpretation makes a difference.

Excellent as well is Green Grass, where our storyteller invites us not to be deceived by appearances and that the neighbor's grass isn't always greener. Meanwhile, Heartbreak Road stands out for its medium, yet driving rhythm, and for the warm notes of the Rhodes electric piano played by the soul-singer.

More dreamy and evocative is Can We Pretend with Withers' intense voice and José Feliciano's guitar giving the track Latin-folk accents.

"+ Justments" is another successful effort by Bill Withers who, throughout his career, has managed to tell us in music stories of everyday life with heart in hand like one of us, a close relative, or a friend. His vocals are also striking, lacking the range of his contemporaries, yet able to transmit great emotions. This is an album that deserves to be rediscovered by every novice and seasoned connoisseur of good black music, also because of its impeccable arrangements and rich soul warmth.