Marshall Downing

Apart from visits by Malaco artists, there weren’t many soul sessions at Muscle Shoals in the 80s sadly. But among the few independent productions the cuts by Marshall Downing are amongst the best. Granted the screaming fire of the 60s was a distant memory by that time, but the subtleties of country soul – melody, open arrangements and vocal care – were still very much in evidence. Downing was a strong voiced singer of considerable skill and his recordings are quality articles. “A song for you” which came out on the GCS label that also released fine material from Peggy Scott & Jo Jo Benson (O) around this time is a well crafted ballad with a beat, but “Almost had a good thing” is even better. A really good song with a memorable hook is complemented by a horn laden arrangement also featuring some tasty female background vocals. Interestingly a shortened version of the same backing track was also used by a guy called Reggie on his 45 release on Destiny 2004.

Discography

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