Mel Carter - Mel Carter Continues... (2015)

Over half a century after releasing his trademark pop-soul classic “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,” 77-year-old Mel Carter remains in fine voice, blending playful swing, lush balladry and some spirited spicing of funk and gospel. Backed by the horn-fired arrangements of John Rodby and featuring a stellar crop of musicians (including guitarist Grant Geissman), Carter joyfully rolls through standards (“Pledging My Love”), Little Willie John classics and dynamic originals from his show “Legends of Rock and Roll – The Balladeers,” whose title track is presented as a high-energy “bromance” by Carter and fellow ‘60s soul singer Lenny Welch.~ by Jonathan Widran