Publication: Blues & Soul [UK]
Date: December 10-23, 1996
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Title: Blues & Soul Review
Reviewed By: Charles Waring

THE ARTIST: NPG/EMI
EMANCIPATION

Yes, he may come from a different planet, and yes, maybe he is out to lunch, but no-one can argue with the fact that the guy sure as hell is a prodigious talent. Who am I talking about? Why, TAFKAP of course.

It is only a few months since his final Warner's set hit the shops. Not only was it one of his shortest albums but, more significantly, in terms of sales and content, was one of his most disappointing. The recent combination of marriage, fatherhood and the unexpected move of the NPG logo to EMI has heralded a musical and spiritual renaissance (or so the press release would have us believe). But whether "Emancipation" has the potential to reach an audience other than TAFKAP's hard-core following is open to debate.

Now free from the alleged shackles of his Warner's contract, TAFKAP, has unleashed a colossal triple album set on an unsuspecting public. For the ardent TAFKAP devotee, this is indeed a veritable musical cornucopia. For the reviewer, on the other hand, this release is a bit of a nightmare: there is just too much to digest at one sitting. Thirty-six songs and three hours later, I was left exhausted and wondering whether TAFKAP had ever heard of writer's block! My admiration of the man's awesome talent remained intact.

I've always felt that with TAFKAP, quantity often outstrips quality. Despite this reservation and the excessive length of "Emancipation", there is much to enjoy (particularly for B&S readers). TAFKAP is a musical chameleon, flitting with consummate ease between an eclectic mixture of soul, funk, pop, rock, jazz and hip-hop. Although the album is a marathon test of endurance for the listener, it is never boring. Sure, there are turgid and frustratingly self-indulgent moments but from a musical point of view there is much light and shade and a great emphasis on melody. The general vibe is much more upbeat and positive than on recent albums.

Any R&B fan who thinks TAFKAP has abandoned his black roots will be pleasantly surprised by this set. The opening cut, "Jam Of The Year", laid-back, jazz flavoured and funky is just one of several impressive mid-tempo R&B influenced tracks. Another pleasant surprise is the inclusion of four cover versions. Of these, the two soul chestnuts the Stylistics' "Betcha By Golly Wow!" and the Delfonics' "La, La, La Means I Love You" stand out highlights, distinguished by TAFKAP's helium-induced falsetto voice.

The album's highlights are almost too numerous to mention. The breezy funk and infectious chorus of "Sex In The Summer" is a definite winner. Also check out the cool, strutting, sax-led "Style". If you're into something different, sample the swinging big band jazz feel of "Courtin' Time". There are ballads a plenty but the dramatic emotional plea of "The Love We Make" is particularly impressive.

With a bit of thoughtful editorial pruning, this could have been a classic single album. As it stands, though, it is a very good triple set (and a bargain at twenty quid). The good news: TAFKAP is back on form. The bad news: in the sleeve notes he threatens to release another triple set very soon!

Free, he may be, but you get the feeling that the man is still a slave to the excesses of his own frightening talent. (Rating: 9)