Fredi Grace & Rhinstone - Get On Your Mark (Expanded Version) (1982/2019)

An early-'80s trio, Fredi Grace & Rhinestone never relinquished material of any great consequence, but their members showed considerable musicianship on this debut effort. Grace is particularly engaging on the single "Help (Save This Frantic Heart of Mine)" and the driving "Go, Get on Your Mark," while Keith "Keecho" Rawls plays Fender Rhodes, piano, and synthesizer bass. Ros Sweeper adds fine harmonies throughout the set. Notably, Peabo Bryson wrote, produced, and drummed on the quiet storm entry "Tell Me What's on Your Mind." It's an emotive number more soulful than many of Bryson's own commercially successful recordings. Meanwhile, "Love Thang" and "Won't Cha Give It to Me" are throwaway ditties better left untouched. The presence of top session players such as Yogi Horton and Anthony Lockett is the securing factor throughout, placing the album several notches above its follow-up, Tight. This set will mainly serve of interest to adventurous R&B completists.