Johnny Bristol

The prolific Johnny Bristol made his name at Motown as a writer and producer of tracks like Diana Ross & the Supremes' "Someday We'll Be Together," a song he co-wrote years before. In 1974, he did a successful production assignment for Boz Scaggs and made his solo debut for MGM. In short order, Bristol created an intriguing persona with a patented wry vocal delivery. The title track is a sensual masterpiece that all but summed up his lyrical metier. The infinitely playable and smooth "You and I" is just as good. "I Got Cha Number," also on Scaggs' Slow Dancer, has Scaggs coming on to do some fun harmony vocals, but tracks like "Memories Don't Leave Like People Do" and "Love Me for Reason" are so-so efforts. This is prime '70s L.A. R&B/pop with Bristol's sure production hand and arrangements by H.B. Barnum. Players include David T. Walker and his singular guitar fills. Despite the lack of plentiful great tracks, any album with both "Hang on in There Baby" and "You and I" is more than worth your time. ~ Jason Elias, All Music Guide