It's been a while since we last heard fresh music the New Orleans heavy weight Willie West, even though his latest tracks "Give It Back" and "I'm Still a Man" have been popping up in funk sets and an odd Jim Jarmusch movie soundtrack. "I Can't Leave You Alone" is Willie in his favorite zone of atmospheric deep soul.

But there is nothing safe about Willie's excursion here, as The Soul Investigators take the mood bravely towards cinematic folk soul. Jimi Tenor's flute lead wraps a thick air of mystique all over the performance as the groups develops it into a standout track in WIllie's catalogue.

These lamentations of love going off-tracks seem dime a dozen in this world, but few tell the story with the same authority as Mr. West. So, quiet down, have a drink, and sink deep into this miserable bliss.