Here at About To Blow we don’t discriminate against genres. This album isn’t a party record by any stretch of the imagination and there is no way around it, this is a Jazz record.
Jazz can be a dirty word to some, however there is an argument to say that Jazz is back and almost cool again, this is largely thanks to Brainfeeder label head, Steven Ellison aka. Flying Lotus. He has been championing a new breed of Jazz, its murky, electronic, spacey and more importantly exciting. Part of this LA based collective are acts such as; Thundercat, The Gaslamp Killer and Lapalux (the only UK signing) however Taylor McFerrin slots into this elite perfectly bringing his unique and inspired take on the genre.
Early Riser is a record that immerses the listener completely, with deep melodies and blissful grooves. In the best way possible it is an album that you can put on for your morning commute and wake up 41 minuets later from a musical comma feeling a lot better for it.
The LP begins with Postpartum; a track that sets the tone of the album, a stretched out tune that opens up into a wild electronic jam. The Antidote feat. Nai Palm displays flashes of genius, Nai Palm (of Hiatus Kaiyote) vocals are outstanding and the simple bass line that bursts through the 2nd third of the track is brilliant.
McFerrin also calls upon the talents of his label mates, Place in My Heart feat. RYAT sounds like a track that Portishead would make today. While, Already There feat. Robert Glasper, Thundercat andMarcus Gilmore is a modern Jazz great, worth listening to for Gilmore’s perfect drum work and Thundercat’s always unique bass.
His own vocal talents are brought to light in Florasia, perhaps not as strong as his guests and he does have a lot to live up to with his father being acapella legend, Bobby McFerrin (of Don’t Worry Be Happyfame). As a nod to this, his father provides the chops on the penultimate track Invisible Visible alongside Cesar Mariano.
It could be argued at times that Early Riser sounds similar to something Fly Lo would produce and that he relies heavily on guest spots, but Mcferrin manages to balance his guest’s talents and his unique vision perfectly.
This could be the best album out this June and is without doubt one of the most enjoyable 41 minutes of music this writer has had in a while.
Our recommendation, buy it.
Early Rider is available via the Brainfeeder imprint on iTunes here.
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