by on

D’Angelo’s album “Black Messiah” seems dissertation worthy, as an album that brings together classic r&b, funk, neo-soul, jazz (yes! A really slick scat on this record!  And some truly swinging horn parts. ) and packages it as the only reasonable heir to Prince. “Really Love” would be a great tune to focus on, since it starts with an ethereal, spoken word intro, then combines a classic melody with great background vocals on top of a walking bass line that itself mutates to match the more trap-nature of the drum groove. “Betray My Heart” is super classic, showing the depth of D’Angelo’s knowledge of classic American music. Excellent horn lines!  My favorite, by far, is “Another Life.”  Gorgeous. Classic.

by on

Today, Erykah Badu’s “Mama’s Gun.” The average BPM is too low for something high impact at the gym, but the average funk is off the charts. I’m hearing two quotes, one in “Penitentiary Philosophy, and the other in “…And on.” Both are melodies in the background. The first, I think, is from Rufus. The second…not sure yet. “Wha wha wha, wu-wha.” There’s also a heavy dose of Gil Scott-Heron and some later Marley, production and arranging-wise. Pino Palladino!!  Also, soooo much Chaka on “Bag Lady.”