Randy Crawford - Raw Silk

180g audiophile vinyl reissue, remastering by Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London.

Pure Pleasure Records has re-mastered Crawford's third Warner Bros. release Raw Silk (1979). The album consists of lush, studio arrangements that surround Crawford's prominent voice. The opening track, I Stand Accused (previously recorded by Isaac Hayes with a patented long version) is unadulterated, heartfelt soul. With era-representative atmospheric electric piano (Don Grusin), the band performs hooks and modulations as Crawford wails about love. She can crank it up with the best of them.

Audiophile vinyl was a good choice for this version of Raw Silk. Crawford's voice is powerful, but also has richness in subdued moments. The horns and strings are mixed seamlessly and never intrude on Crawford. The bass and drums are present, but ambient. Crawford is a force. - Robbie Gearson, Audiophile Audtion