Former jazz vocalist Billy Paul found R&B success in the '70s on Philadelphia International doing a mix of anguished ballads, sophisticated originals, and reworked standards.
But Paul was not a great live vocalist either as a jazz or soul singer, something that was evident on this mid-'70s set.
No matter how polished or well-rehearsed the backing band, Paul's flaws couldn't be covered as smoothly in a concert setting, and they're revealed along with his strengths -- timing, a good delivery, and decent range and interpretative skills.