Ralph Graham - Differently (1974)Sussex - Rare Soul

Here we have another gem from Clarence Avant.s Sussex Records stable.Iv,e also included his 3 Northern tracks as a Bonus.The history of Soul Music over the past 40 years is full of stories of talented artists like Ralph Graham having brief moments of popularity, but never reaching the level of success to make a lifelong career of music. Fortunately, there are stories of second chances where talent ultimately found an audience, and that is the developing story of Ralph Graham. Known more as a songwriter than as a singer, Graham had a couple of moderately successful albums on RCA in the early 70s. This album ,his debut did nothing at all which is crazy hearing the quality of the album ! However, other artists, from Thelma Houston to Patti LaBelle found meaning in the subtle melodies and deep, introspective lyrics of Graham's work, with a half dozen artists covering his biggest song, "Differently." Unfortunately, tragedy struck Graham's family, as the death of his wife to cancer led him to give up the music business to raise his children. That appeared to be the last we'd hear of Ralph Graham. Buoyed by friends and fans, after a 15 year absence, Graham returned to music. He began again playing various nightclubs in Boston his home town & New England over the course of the last few years, and has since started to write and record again. lets hope he gets the success he well deserves.The first impression left by Differently...is that it stands up to any decent soul album recorded today.

AMM 

                                                                        Tthe Taster!

                                                          Tracks & Bonus Tracks Below

Bonus Tracks

11 She Just Sits There

12 You Had to Hurt Someone

13 Changing Up My Life