Lately

Billy Paul's sole effort for Lonnie Simmons' Total Experience records (the Gap Band, Yarbrough and Peoples) saw the jazzy Philly soul singer slide smoothly from a live band/orchestra backing as on his sides for Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International Records to a synth/keyboard-based musical backdrop. Production on Lately was shared between Paul and Total Experience staff producers/songwriters Jonah Ellis and Oliver Scott. The standout tracks were his covers of "On a Clear Day," "I Only Have Eyes for You" -- a steppers' favorite -- the ethereal ballad "Let Me In," "Get Down to Lovin'," "Hot Date," and "Sexual Therapy," which is very similar to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing." ~ Ed Hogan