The last few days I have been listening to D'Angelo's "Black Messiah." One those great gems of a recording. I hear it as avant-garde soul. Slinky, sexy, slippery, big on groove. Fabulous bass & drums, gorgeous vocals. So invigorating.
Also listened to saxophonist, Kamazi Washington's "Heaven & Earth." Epic. Overstuffed. Grand. Ambitious. The life of the mind, the mind of a life. Powerful, beautiful, trippy, sounds like a soundtrack to an epic fanstasy film. Full orchestra, full choir, and a fabulous band of jazz musicians. Everything can be found in this 2 disc set. It keeps morphing and changing. Anything seems possible. Makes you smile, and wonder too.
Also three Tragically Hip records: "Road Apples," "Day for Night, & "Trouble at the Henhouse." This band is one of my latest "discoveries." Amazing catalog of music. Great band, 5 guys, friends since childhood, from a small town in Canada. They became Canada's most beloved. Great story. Fabulous r&r band. There are no flaws here. Unique singer, fabulous lyrics, kick-ass band. Love the two guitars and their on-going interplay. So good.
And Shabaka Hutchings. His record "Perceive it's Beauty, Acknowledge it's Grace", is astonishing, beautiful. My favorite recording of the moment. Flute, clarinet, spoken word, grooves. It just hits home, but with a light, graceful touch. Inspiring. Enriching. Healing. This is music at it's absolute best.
