“Ben – The Soul Uncle” is the loose translation for the stage name of Frenchman Benjamin Duterde. His debut album certainly borrows heavily from the classic soul sound made so distinctive by Motown records. ‘Petite Soeur’ highlights the strength of Duterde’s voice, which seems to be the whole focus of the record. Despite being recorded in a Belgian garage the production behind this record is certainly slick and professional. The drums are typically tight and punchy as well as accompanying horns, and of course Duterde’s voice stands above it all.
There is no question the band behind Duterde are accomplished session musicians with an incredibly tight sound. However there is a feeling on this record of simply going through the motions. It’s as if there is something missing to turn it into a great record, perhaps a feeling that it’s all been heard before. Both the up and downside behind this offering is that it so clearly borrows from soul records of the past, however doesn’t try to do anything new.
