Billy Paul 360 DEGREES OF BILLY PAUL

Personnel includes: Billy Paul (vocals, arranger); Bobby Martin (arranger); David Bay, Bunny Sigler, Norman Harris, Roland Chambers, Bobby Eli (guitar); Eddie Green, Leon Huff (piano); Lenny Pakula (organ); Vince Montana (vibraphone); Anthony Jackson, Ronnie Baker (bass); Norman Farrington, Earl Young (drums); Larry Washington (congas).
Producers: Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff.
Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1972.
The 1970s soul star Billy Paul is most closely associated with his immortal smash, "Me and Mrs. Jones," the smooth, supple cheating song that helped define not just the Philly soul style but the sound of an entire era. While that classic tune is certainly the centerpiece of 360 DEGREES OF BILLY PAUL, it's far from the only memorable moment. Paul proves adept at sliding soulfully into other people's songs too, adding a jazzy touch to Carole King's "It's Too Late," making Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" even softer and more romantic than the original, and giving Elton John's ballad, "Your Song," a danceable, upbeat treatment. Additionally, tunes like "Brown Baby" and "I'm Just a Prisoner" convincingly address social issues, proving Paul was more than just a love man.

• Format: CD
• Genre: R&B