Unleashing that big voice from the Windy City, Lou Pride reaches new heights with Keep on Believing, his third album on Severn Records. Lou delivers 11 powerful new originals, topping them off with a beautifully soulful version of the Bob Marley classic “Waiting in Vain,” and a remake of his own 1972 hit on the English Northern Soul scene, “I’m Com’un Home in the Morn’un.” Sparked by the horn arrangements of the great Willie Henderson (Tyrone Davis, Chi Lites), Lou leads us to a righteous place where Chicago blues meets Memphis soul.
“… [Lou] is carving out his place in music history proudly and bravely carrying the torch of master soul-blues crooner, in the footsteps of Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Bobby Bland.” — Steve Cagle, KVMR radio
“For those of you who enjoy blues that blends funk with the urban experience in a relevant way… nobody is better equipped than Lou Pride to deliver high-octane R&B like the Lord intended it to be.” — George Seedorf, Big City Blues
Check out Lou’s other titles on Severn Records: Words of Caution; The Memphis/El Paso Sessions; and Ain’t No More Love In This House.
LINER NOTES
A message from Lou: “To all the band soul greats, I want to say thank you for allowing me to stand on your shoulders all of these years. You made a way for me and many others on the road to success. I also want to thank the Yancy’s and the Fairchild’s; Ira Harris, BB Gordon, Jim Thacker, and Tim Butler; Guido Schmidt, Fritz Jakober, Martin (Carl) Bründler, Kurt Schürmann, and all the wonderful people from the Lucerne Blues Festival, Katonspital, and the great doctors and nurses who saved my life during my heart attack; Harry Lang and Mo Indigo; my daughters Robin and Monique and my sons Don and George; Steve Cyphers, David Earl, Steve Gomes, Willie Henderson, and all the great musicians who played on this record. I also wish the best of luck and love to my Severn label mates Tad Robinson and Darrell Nulisch. To my fans all over the world, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If I did not mention your name, charge it to my mind and not my heart. I thank my God for my talent and all of his blessings on me.” — Lou Pride
“Keep on believing. Anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Lou Pride knows about these three words. Lou Pride is one of the most positive and upbeat people I have known. When Lou calls, it’s never to complain, it’s always about a new “jock,” a new club, or just to talk about music or life. Even when faced with the toughest obstacles, Lou remains optimistic. If there is any justice in this world this new record will finally give Lou the recognition he truly deserves. Lou is one of our best friends and there will always be a home for him and his music here at Severn Records and in our heart.” — David Earl, Severn Records
MUSICIANS
Lou Pride: Vocals
Jon Moeller: Guitars
Benjie Porecki: Hammond Organ, Fender Rhodes
Steve Gomes: Bass
Robb Stupka: Drums
Victor Williams: Percussion
Walt Namuth: Lead Guitar (track 5)
Meg Murray: Background Vocals (tracks 1, 7)
Earl Jones: Background Vocals (tracks 6, 10, 13)
Eddie Jones: Background Vocals (tracks 6, 10, 13)
Margie Clarke: Background Vocals (tracks 1, 2, 5)
Lady Mary: Background Vocals (tracks 1, 2, 5)
John Butler: Background Vocals (tracks 1, 2, 5)
Horns arranged and conducted by Willie Henderson
Kevin Burns: 1st Trumpet
Kenny Rittenhouse: 2nd Trumpet
Scott Young: Alto Saxophone and Flute
Jeff Antoniuk: Tenor Saxophone and Flute
Scott Silbert: Baritone Saxophone
Ron Diehl: Baritone Saxophone
John Jensen: Trombone
CREDITS
Produced by David Earl and Steve Gomes
Recorded and mixed by David Earl at Severn Sound Studio, Severn, MD
Mastered by Charlie Pilzer at Airshow Mastering, Springfield, VA
Copyists: Bruce Swaim, Kenny Rittenhouse, John Jensen, Scott Silbert, Junior Bryce, and Chris Battistone
Graphic design by Al Brandtner, Brandtner Design, Chicago, IL
Photography by Kurt Swanson, Soulful Impressions, Chicago, IL