Music that soothes and grooves

13 MP3 Songs in this album (52:33) !
Related styles: JAZZ: Jazz-Funk, JAZZ: Smooth Jazz

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Details:
In âSeasons Change,â the fine fourth release from Abstract Truth featuring G. Lawrence Francis and Friends, the band shrugs off any worries about genre or showcasing its chops. It just plows ahead with confidence to reach its ultimate goal: a collection of enjoyable tunes ripe with musical integrity. This is as much the result of the bandâs maturity as it was a conscious decision made by Francis, the bandâs bass-playing leader. He wanted Abstract Truth free from categories â he didnât want an all straight-ahead project, or one that was all smooth jazz, R&B or funk. He simply wanted to play on, compose for and produce a project that could stand the test of time. So hereâs âSeasons Change,â where catchy melodies are often played on the bass, where the flute -- not exactly a stalwart in bands â plays a prominent role in the bandâs sound, and where the instrumental conversation among the solid players and vocalists energize the 13 songs. From the jump, itâs clear this project is not business as usual. âSummertimeâ gets a whole new flavor, with a driving in-the-pocket groove by Francis and drummer Josh Orlando that initially makes the standard unrecognizable. That is until Jeanette Berry delivers the opening lyric, and suddenly youâre back on familiar terrain. Itâs like arriving at your favorite vacation spot, but only from a different direction. A similar change up occurs with Luiz Bonfaâs âBlack Orpheusâ (originally titled âManha de Carnaval;â with different lyrics by Carl Sigman, the song is called âA Day in the Life of A Foolâ). The bossa nova classic is presented in a stark atmosphere -- with only guest Warren Oree on upright bass and Berry on vocals -- that electrifies Sigmanâs lyrics of longing. Francis loves 1970s funk. And why not: Thatâs the decade when fusion and funk bands were in vogue, and electric bass players stepped out of the shadows. Players such as Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Alphonso Johnson, Bootsy Collins, Anthony Jackson and Larry Graham became household names. That was when music was fun. Francis and Abstract Truth honor the era on âWhat Would You Do?â borrowing pieces of Grahamâs bass line from âThank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)," and using horn riffs, guitar and Fender Rhodes piano licks to create a danceable homage to the times. The question: What would you do if you heard music at a party that was so good, you couldnât sit still. Itâs the first song I ever heard that incorporates ârigor mortisâ in a lyric (and it works!). And as an extra bonus, we get Francis on lead vocals. Philadelphia, where the talented, fleet-fingered Francis lives and works, has long been an incubator for exceptional musicians, especially bass players such as Clarke, Christian McBride, Jymie Merritt, Victor Bailey, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, and Gerald Veasley. Francis idolizes Clarke, but admires Marcus Miller for his signature sound and versatility. âHe can play great melodies, and is also a much sought after producer,â Francis says. âWhen Iâm composing, Iâm thinking âwhat would Marcus doâ?â But the bottom line for Francis is everybody has something to say. âIt doesnât matter if I canât play like Stanley or Jaco,â Francis says, naming the crËme of the crËme. âI still have something to say.â Indeed. Thereâs the title cut, âSeasons Changeâ a happy go lucky mid-tempo vocal tune, with a hip-hop groove that speaks of lifeâs changing nature. âUna Nottata di Passionâ (A Night of Passion) is Francisâ favorite, a light composition gently pushed along by Francisâ bass melody. The nicely syncopated âPennâs Landingâ instrumentally recalls Philadelphiaâs water front hangout. âCome Back to Meâ is another funky vocal highlighted with Fender Rhodes, Roy Richardsonâs flute and begging for another chance at love. Abstract Truth is no flash in the pan. They have opened for acts such as Kem, War, The Ohio Players, Al Green, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, and Kindred the Family Soul. The title cut from the last CD âAll Work, No Playâ stayed in radio rotation for six weeks. On âSeasons Change,â Abstract Truth featuring G. Lawrence Francis and Friends establishes itself as more than a tight and gifted group. Its unique sound and strong melodic approach to songs assures it will be around for years to come. Al Hunter Jr.

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