…..Heartland roots and humble beginnings aside, the Tulsa, OK native spent decades cementing his style as a frontman (The Gap Band Era) and as a solo artist (The Era of Uncle Charlie), overcoming obstacles (financial hardship, prostate cancer and addictions to drugs/alcohol) and reestablishing himself as a chart-topping soul survivor. So his latest solo CD, Forever Charlie, is as much about witnessing a rebirth as it is our level of entertainment in experiencing it.

Certainly aware that ‘there’s no fool like an old fool,’ Uncle Charlie doesn’t try switching up his proven and popular approach to R&B. Since he first claimed fame with irresistible funk jams, Forever is decidedly more upbeat than 2013’s Love, Charlie, beginning and ending with lively grooves. “Just Like Summertime” is built on an “Outstanding”-type foundation, likening his lady to the joys of the season (“On a hot day on the corner, you’re my glass of lemonade/like a good potato salad/ that Big Mama used to make”). CLICK HERE to read the full review at soultracks.com