If anyone made a conspicuous comeback last year, it was legendary sixties soulman Solomon Burke. Supremely in command of his raw, deeply gospel-rooted voice, the singer, whose nickname is The Bishop of Soul, is up and at 'em again. Last year, at a concert in Paradiso, Burke demonstrated that he still is the undisputed king of soul. Seated upon his throne, he proved able to pull out all the stops. From deep, subdued rumbling to loud, heartfelt cries, Burke managed to produce this range of sounds effortlessly, sometimes all in one breath. It also became apparent that evening what a huge performer the American is. He felt noticeably comfortable as the center of attention and, ever the charmer, handed out roses to the ladies in the audience. His well-received album Don't Give Up On Me is also a clear sign that Burke is back in town, since scoring big hits for the record company Atlantic - at the time one of the better labels in jazz, soul and blues - from 1960 on. Burke has mastered songs by old names like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Brian Wilson and Van Morrison with ease. Now that Burke is smack in the spotlight again, this big artist - who also runs a limousine service, a funeral parlor and a number of churches - is busier than ever. Especially now that that a big hit, made together with the Dutch Junkie XL, is on its way.
