I'm For Real - The Elektra Recordings 1986-1992

Description

• Deluxe collection of expanded editions of the four best-selling albums by the ever-soulful Howard Hewett whose rise to international prominence began with the global hit making trio Shalamar.

• Featuring 56 tracks, this first-of-its-kind 4CD box set is titled after ‘I’m For Real’, Howard’s Top 5 RnB hit single from his debut Elektra LP, ‘I Commit To Love’.

• With photographs from Howard's personal collection featured in the stellar artwork by Roger Williams, plus excellent mastering by Nick Robbins, I'm For Real' is co- produced by acclaimed music historian and writer Tim Dillinger and SoulMusic.com founder David Nathan, whose liner notes for the box set include extensive 2022 quotes and comments from Howard himself.

Standout tracks include ‘Show Me’, another Top 5 R&B charted single, ‘Say Amen’, a fixture in Howard’s live performances since 1986; the duet, ‘When Will It Be’ with then-Elektra labelmate Anita Baker; and Howard’s vocal pairing with Stacy Lattisaw on the Motown classic, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’.

The box set also features nine bonus tracks, including some rarities such as Howard’s little-known 1985 duet with Roberta Flack, ‘Let Me Be A Light Shine’; the George Duke-produced ‘Obsession’ from the soundtrack of The Heavenly Kid; a cover of the 1958 doowop classic ‘The Ten Commandments Of Love’ from the 1989 compilation, ‘Rock, Rhythm And Blues’.