Guitarist Nicola Conte puts together an intriguing album here with a rotating team of vocalists and impressive mix of jazz artists. The disc is an homage to relationships both horizontal (man to man) and vertical (man to God) with songs about both categories.
The tunes themselves have a bit of a soul jazz feel that is quite attractive. Marvin Parks’ vocals on “Shades of Joy” has a hint of Kurt Elling along with Conte’s Wes Montgomery octave pickings. Some 60’s groove features Jose’ James impressively on “Goddess of the Sea” while some acoustic guitar mixed with percussion with Tasha’s World on vocals makes “Uhuru” a highlight of creativity. Late night jaz is brimming with Conte and pianist Pietro Lussu on “Ahamad’s Blues” and some funky boogaloo keeps things upbeat on “Free Souls” with Bridgette Amofah’s rich voice. A bit of outside sounds closes the otherwise highly accessible session with Gaetano P artipilo’s searing alto sax on “Sunrise” but it’s more of a last minute bump on an otherwise highway made for cruising.
Schema Records