Album: What Are You Waiting For – October 2024
Can’t Miss Tracks: What Are You Waiting For, Back Up Plan, Love Out Loud
If you’ve been yearning for the kind of “for real” soul and blues music that dominated the ’60s and ’70s, then the new album What Are You Waiting For? from The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (APSO) is exactly what you need. Released on October 25th, this is the band’s sixth studio album—and their first featuring the incredible soul vocalist, Willy Jordan.
Hailing from San Francisco, California, APSO has been bringing their powerful horn-driven blend of soul and blues to audiences since 2007. Founded by guitarist and songwriter Anthony Paule, the band is known for crafting authentic, old-school soul with a modern twist, drawing inspiration from the golden era of Southern soul and classic blues. If you’ve enjoyed past APSO albums featuring world-class vocalists like Frank Bey and Wee Willie Walker, you’ll find plenty to love in What Are You Waiting For?, which introduces Jordan as the new frontman.
A New Era for APSO with Willy Jordan
Willy Jordan is no stranger to the soul and blues world. With a rich history of collaborations, including work with Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio and legends like John Lee Hooker, Jordan brings an electric, commanding presence to APSO. His voice is smooth yet powerful, effortlessly capturing the essence of the soulful storytelling that has defined the genre. In his debut with APSO, Jordan brings fresh energy to the band while remaining rooted in the traditions of the past.
The album opens with “You Ain’t Old ‘Til You’re Cold,” a track that sets the tone for what’s to come—a perfect mix of deep blues with a driving rhythm. Jordan’s gritty vocals are complemented by Paule’s sharp guitar work, laying down a solid foundation for the rest of the record. From here, the band dives into a collection of songs that showcase the depth and variety of their sound.
Soul and Blues with a Timeless Groove
One of the album’s standout tracks is the title song, “What Are You Waiting For?”—a catchy, upbeat tune driven by tight horns and a funky Hammond organ. The track has a timeless feel, with Jordan’s smooth delivery making it impossible to resist tapping your foot to the beat. It’s a song that invites you to get up, dance, and reflect on the power of living in the moment.
Another highlight is “One Way,” where Jordan croons, “I’m gonna buy you a ticket, and make it one-way,” delivering a message of commitment and longing that’s perfectly matched by the soulful backing vocals and the song’s irresistible groove. What Are You Waiting For? doesn’t just stay in one lane, though; it beautifully explores the spectrum of Southern soul and blues with tracks like the slow-burning “You’re Somebody Else’s Baby Too” and the funky, lighthearted “No Tofu.” The latter, featuring the Sons of The Soul Revivers on backing vocals, takes a playful jab at the modern obsession with tofu, with Jordan singing, “Bring me some barbecue, I don’t want no tofu”—a fun, tongue-in-cheek moment on an otherwise deeply soulful album.
A Band That Knows How to Swing
Beyond Jordan’s standout vocals, What Are You Waiting For? features an incredible supporting cast, with the rhythm section of Endre Tarcy (bass) and Kevin Hayes (drums) locking in tight grooves throughout. But it’s the brass section that really takes the spotlight, with Derek James (trombone), Ethan Pires (trumpet), Charles McNeal (tenor saxophone), and Bob Sudduth (baritone saxophone) adding layers of rich, harmonic texture to every track. From the fiery horn solo on “After A While” to the punchy brass lines that punctuate “Back-Up Plan,” the horns are one of the album’s secret weapons, elevating every track to new heights.
Speaking of “After A While,” this song is a special moment on the album. Written by APSO’s Christine Vitale, it was the first song she heard Willy Jordan sing and it deeply inspired the entire record. A classic soul ballad, the track captures the vulnerability and hope that runs through the album. Jordan’s performance is haunting and heartfelt, especially when paired with the subtle yet poignant horn arrangements.
Social Commentary Without the Preaching
While What Are You Waiting For? is full of love, longing, and fun, it also tackles more serious themes. “Where’s the Justice?” is a powerful commentary on inequality, delivered with soulful urgency. The track’s harmonies evoke a sense of community and call for action, as Jordan and the backing singers sing, “Where’s the justice?”—a question that resonates deeply in today’s world.
Meanwhile, “Bruised” and “That’s How the Story Goes” bring a darker, more introspective vibe to the album. On “Bruised,” Jordan sings about the emotional scars left by betrayal, while the guitar solo from Anthony Paule adds a raw, emotional edge to the track. The latter song continues in this vein, with its full-band intensity and gritty sound, proving that APSO is not afraid to venture into the more challenging side of soul music.
A Must-Have for Soul and Blues Fans
What Are You Waiting For? is an album that demonstrates the full range of The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra’s talent. Whether it’s the smooth, sultry soul of “One Way,” the funk-infused grooves of “No Tofu,” or the deep, heart-wrenching blues of “Bruised,” this album offers something for every soul and blues enthusiast. With Willy Jordan’s powerful vocals, a world-class rhythm section, and the dynamic horn section, APSO has created a record that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
For anyone who loves classic soul and blues, this is an album that should not be missed. It’s the kind of record that transports you back to the golden age of Southern soul, with a modern twist that keeps it fresh and exciting. The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, with Willy Jordan at the helm, has undoubtedly delivered one of the best soul albums of the year.
