If you're missing Luther and that classic soul sound that appears to be dead in today's musical landscape, Gary Taylor's Retro Blackness is that oasis in the desert of modern music. Before there was neo-soul there was soul and real R&B music and this is what Mr. Taylor offers us on his ninth, that's right ninth album. The veteran musician started making records in 1983 but after the release of his second album Compassion on the Virgin label decided that the major label path was not the one he was going to take. He formed his own Morning Crew label and has recorded and released albums independently on his own terms since 1991. A multi talented songwriter and producer as well, Taylor has worked with Anita Baker, The Whispers, Lalah Hathaway, George Clinton and numerous others, but behind the microphone is where we feels most at home.

Retro Blackness, a departure from Taylor's usual ballads about love and relationships is filled with songs about a different kind of love, as he puts it, love for self. A testament to the same independent spirit that moved him to form his own label, Taylor decided to deviate from his usual subject matter to record an entire album about black life, culture and hope. Few artists can actually pull of the switch, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway and now Gary Taylor. The album starts with "Love Like No Other", the well written tribute to parents, children and family in general. Soon after comes the aptly titled "Old School", the song that most displays Taylor signature sound. Then there's the panoramic view of an old black neighborhood "Lovin' My People" (walk past the neighbors house, wishing you had dinner there, better times for living when people seemed to care). "Healing" is another standout tracks, almost a prayer for help with a troubled heart. Other highlights include "My Blackness", a song about pride and wearing the color with honor, and "W.O.C." restated (woman of color).

Final analysis? Retro Blackness is a bold attempt by an opinionated artist that's actually using his talents to speak about and try to influence what going on in today's world. It's a refreshing view of what R&B used to be, pure, soulful, and made from the heart. Maybe more artists should take the independent approach if that's what it takes to create music on your own terms without being told when, where, how and for who to make it.