Deborah Laws – Very Special
Debra Laws is the sister of Hubert Laws, Ronnie Laws & Eloise Laws; talent obviously runs in the family. Very Special is the first solo record Debra made and it’s a classic that’s been heavily sampled throughout the years. In 2003, Laws actually sued Jennifer Lopez & LL Cool J for sampling the track in their hit song “All I Have.” The album is consistent song to song and the soulful and jazzy melodies are effortless. While the title track is the most well known, the B side hits as well with “How Long” featuring Arthur Adams, who played closely with The Crusaders, Quincy Jones and many more, on the guitar. You can also hear Ronnie Laws’ sweet saxophone playing throughout the record along with brother Hubert Laws on the flute. Classic early 80s gold – an essential for any collection. – Ally
Recommended – A1 On My Own, A3 Very Special, B3 How Long
A1 On My Own
A2 Meant For You
A3 Very Special
A4 Be Yourself
B1 Long As We’re Together
B2 Your Love
B3 How Long
B4 All The Things I Love
Arranged by[Arp]- Larry Dunn
Arranged by[Strings, Horns]- Frank Kavelin
Backing Vocals- Gwen Gwenchee Matthews* (Tracks A2,A4,B2,B3,B4)
Bass- Nathan East
Drums- Leon “Ndugu” Chancler*, Raymond Pounds
Engineer- Gerry E. Brown
Guitar- Roland Bautista, Arthur Adams (Track B3), Pat Kelly
Alto Saxophone- Ronnie Laws*
Alto Flute- Hubert Laws*
Liner Notes- Debra Renee Laws
Piano- Bobby Lyle
Producer- Hubert Laws*, Ronnie Laws*
Production Assistant- William Jeffery
Synthesizer- Larry Dunn
Vocals- Debra Laws
Vocals [male]- Ronnie Laws* (Track A3)