Over the last few short years, rising Robert Randolph collaborator Acantha Lang has swiftly become one of modern soul music’s best- kept secrets — building a dedicated fanbase through her “Standing On The Shoulders Of…” Soul series (currently over 9 million views across socials) where she honors past Stax and soul legends with spirited reimaginings of jukebox classics. So far, she’s earned widespread praise across BBC Radio, has earned over 1 million streams (and counting), and has been playlisted on top Spotify playlists including earning a spot on Spotify’s Best Retro Songs of 2021 and Best Funk Songs of 2022 playlist all without a debut album – until now. On June 30th, Lang will release her debut album ‘Beautiful Dreams’ a record that’s destined to propel her from an undiscovered gem into the pantheon of modern soul greats. With Acantha’s takes on Stax- inspired funk with Southern blues, she tells highly personal tales atop spirited, shimmering grooves. Acantha’s storytelling style harkens to age- old blues traditions while grounding itself in contemporary themes, delivering head- on lyrical attacks on fake news (the tell- all “He Said/ She Said”), odes to motherly love in the wake of Katrina’s disaster (the gripping “Lois Lang”), and celebrations of Black strength and womanhood with confidence and pride.
The heartfelt emotional centerpiece of Marc Jordan’s new album Waiting for the Sun To Rise is “Rio Grande,” a sweeping anthem which artfully blends sociopolitical commentary about America’s loss of innocence with personal lovelorn yearning. Featuring trumpet great Randy Brecker, and piano by co-produce Lou Pomanti, the song was co-written with Steven MacKinnon from the Art of Time jazz ensemble. Lyrically the song addresses the view from an experienced age, marvelling at how time passes quickly while many things stay the same: multiple tragedies of modern life with its gun violence, environmental disaster, and a sense of impending doom over the lack of clear solutions. But throughout there’s always hints of optimism and nostalgia to keep us sustained through challenging rainy days with glimpses of brighter daylight ahead. It has been called his Magnum Opus and a triumph of a recording from a world-class artist performing at the peak of his skills. “Rio Grande” can be found on any streaming service and on the Waiting For The Sun To Rise a;bum. Marc Jordan is a JUNO Award and Genie Award winner, and in 2019 was JUNO-nominated for his last album Both Sides. He is married to singer-songwriter Amy Sky, and in 2022, the duo recorded an JUNO-Award nominated album of duets entitled He Sang She Sang.
Altoist Nick Green is in a mighty sharp group here – one that's tight enough to match the Charlie Parker energy of the leadoff track, but which then moves into more soulful territory that really gives the whole record a wonderful vibe! The great Joe Magnarelli is on trumpet in the frontline, sounding great next to Green as both players really seem to have a way of elevating each other – and Jeb Patton's piano provides these rich currents that take the the whole thing back to the feel of an old Riverside Records or Blue Note date – thanks to crackling energy from Mike Karn on bass and the great Kenny Washington on drums. Green's definitely going to be a player to keep our ears out for in years to come – and titles include "All The Things You Are", "Horizons", "Cheatin", "Tear & A Smile", "Barry", "You Krane", and "A Handful Of Stars". ~ Dusty Groove
A really beautiful record from London pianist Sultan Stevenson – a set that seems to hearken back to the wonderful 70s territory of McCoy Tyner, especially in the way that Sultan can balance a sense of subtle majesty with an undeniable flow! Half the record features a core trio – with Jacob Gryn on bass and Joel Waters on drums – but the other half of the set also brings in some superb horn work that really rises the righteous power of the record – trumpet from Josh Short and tenor from Denys Baptiste, playing together with a richly spiritual vibe. Titles include "He Has Made Me Whole", "Faithful One", "Safe Passage", "Prayer", "Guilt By Association", and "Summer Was Our Holy Place". ~ Dusty Groove
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