It's easy to see what all the fuss has been about over the years concerning this artist and his music over the last twenty years or so. This is an opportunity to experience a master at work as Sequel Records treat us to three double CD's of the mans finest 70's recordings in the form of two albums on one CD. Just listen to to 'Love OH Love' the second tune on side one to appreciate not only a fine piece of quality soul, but also an appreciation of where the modern soul scene find their current tracks from, as this gorgeous mid tempo dancer weaves it way into your mind and has you singing its melody non stop. The gentle 'When You Smile' whilst being a typical love ballad, Hutson's vocal delivery in places has tints of Ronnie McNeir's 'Wendy Is Gone' and that itself is testament of a fine song.

On listening to the next track 'Getting It On' two things spring to mind, one being the guitar solo being taken from the style that George Benson took to commercial success in the early eighties, and secondly how powerful an instrumental this is, which would have made it an ideal candidate for a black movie soundtrack. Isaac Hayes' soundtrack of '71' springs to mind.

'Time Brings On A Change' is a powerful statement with snatches of Martin Luther Kings' famous speeches of the sixties opening the song, before it settles down into one of those songs that really goes nowhere in 1999 but would have had significant impact on the social issue listening audiences of the early seventies.

The rest of this album is made up of similar material that really does have many similarities to what Curtis Mayfield/Marvin Gaye were doing during that period. If you haven't heard this set before don't expect a dance set as it isn't one, but a fine performance from the ex Impressions singer who made such an impact as a solo artist in the US he became one of the labels best selling artist. Pity he didn't have the same impact here in the UK during that period.

'The Man'  on disc two is a similar set with some very nice mid tempo modern tunes including the excellent 'Ella Weez'and the opening song 'Can't Say Enough About Mom' both of which are extremely strong songs and are well produced. Donnie Hathaway's 'The Ghetto' gets a cover from Hutson and one wonders if the feel of the song was where Marvin Gaye got the idea for 'Got To Give It Up'

The highlight of this CD for me is the Detroit Spinners inspired 'Could This Be Love'  a magical piece of mid seventies soul, and already being pursued by many a modern collector and is a fine introduction to this remarkable artist, it's only a pity that there isn't a long version of this song as at just over three minutes it fades. These were the days before 12" singles.

All in all a cracking package that will be well known to many collectors who already have these titles, but if your new to this name you can't go wrong at the price. A classic as they say!

Personal Rating 8/10
Expect to pay around £10.00 in the UK
Released 23rd August 1999.