Elbert Phillips & Andre Espeut – “Tears” [Chillifunk Records]
The original release of ‘Tears’, was released 34 years ago by Satoshi Tomiie, Robert Owens and the Godfather of House Music, Frankie Knuckles. Long-time friend and regular cohort of Frankie Knuckles, Elbert Phillips, has joined forces with London soul brother, Andre Espeut, on a beautiful, fresh ‘loving tribute’ of this cherished classic. This fabulous revision respectfully brings the ‘Tears’ into 2023, Andre embodies the spirit of the song with a stunning vocal delivery, as Elbert provides an emotive soundtrack with the help of top quality musicians William Kurk (keys), Tom Laroye (percussion and Prophet 5 Synthesizer), Shamrock Guitor (guitar), and Evans Tate (Soprano Saxophone). The guys have done a superb job here and I’m sure Frankie would be most proud.