One Day Closer To Home
By Mike O’Cull
Grammy-winning soul man, songwriter, and Stax/Volt groundbreaker William Bell treats us to his world-class voice and vibe on his 15th studio record One Day Closer To Home.
Released April 14th, 2023 on Wilbe Records, the set features Bell vocalizing in front of his regular road group The Total Package Band, an outstanding crew of players able to keep up with Bell and his smooth, genre-crossing style. He easily shifts between blues, soul, R&B, country, and Americana sounds, often within the same song, and hits like a skilled, technical singer with a heart of artistic gold. The undeniable Truth of soul music is the thread that connects his songs together and is permanently installed in every note he sings. It’s also what has made Bell a legend of American music.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, William Bell was one of the originators of the classic Stax/Volt sound back in the 1960s that combined blues, rock, and gospel in innovative ways. Bell and label mates like Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the MG’s, and Albert King set a standard that’s never been equaled. His original songs have been covered by stars including Otis Redding, Eric Clapton, Carole King, Billy Idol, Etta James, Albert King, Melissa Etheridge, and Bruce Springsteen.
Bell is the writer of many major hits, including “Born Under A Bad Sign,” “Every Day Is Like A Holiday,” “You Don’t Miss Your Water,” and “Private Number.” He has performed at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the White House, won Grammys and countless other awards, and has been praised by modern artists from Gary Clark, Jr. to Snoop Dogg. That, friends, is a life well-lived.
Bell opens the record with the upbeat soul tune “I Still Go To Parties,” a solid sender about how to have fun when you’ve gotten up in years. “I don’t dance as much and I just don’t stay as long” sings Bell with a sly smile, even though he sounds like he can still go all night. The song sits on a sweet, happy groove that’ll make you want to jam thanks to all 12 pieces of The Total Package Band and Bell flies funky and high over its top.
“I Will Remember Tonight” is an easy, romantic country/soul number that features Bell’s expressive vocals alongside Rurik Nunan’s gorgeous fiddle lines. Most soul singers wouldn’t cross the country line and put a fiddle on a song like this but, for an iconoclast like Bell, it makes perfect sense. The mix of influences makes this one an instantly-memorable experience and a straight-up good time.
Bell excels at love songs and ballads like the yearning gem “Human Touch.” His warm vocal tones and believable delivery will melt the coldest parts of your heart while backup singers Phyllis Smiley and Marsha Miller and flautist Alex Walke are pure ear candy. Listen to it with someone you care about.
Just when you think you have William Bell figured out, he closes One Day Closer To Home with the line-danceable country/rocker “Georgia Peach.” It’s got a stomping beat, snarling guitars, and enough energy to power the Southland for at least a week. This kind of nuanced fluency with roots music genres is one of the many qualities that makes Bell a singularity; he sees connections where most see vast distances. Other highlights on the record include “I’ve Got Feet,” “Let’s Make Loving Great Again,” and the title track “One Day Closer To Home.” Even after all the years, Bell’s talent is intact and stronger than ever. Highly recommended.
William Bell website
“One Day Closer To Home”
Like the song but “You Dont Miss Your Water” is still my favorite.
Thanks for sharing we don’t see talent like this anymore and I miss it so much.
He was a dj in DC for awhile at work am radio!