Beautifully Awkward
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
An esteemed alto, soprano and tenor saxophonist and composer, this sophomore album from FKAjazz finds the artist in exceptional company as members of the Trew Culture collective lend a hand on vocals and instruments.
After the key heavy and background talking of the opening “To This Moment”, “Don’t Sweat The Technique”, with JSWISS and Walky Wah, bridges jazz and hip-hop with plenty of rhythm, while “Don’t Drag Me”, featuring Natalie Oliveri, presents a dreamy setting of elegant vocals paired with adventurous percussion.
Deeper into the listen, “Feeling Felt” finds a calmer place to reside amid a lone, expressive saxophone, and “Beautiful Magic” continues the gentle territory while injecting soulfulness thanks to Devin Bing’s strong vocal prowess.
At the end, “Supreme Love” brings BD3 and Marcus Machado to the groove filled setting, and “In Conclusion”, with L-Twice, ends the listen with keys and ambience as the dreamy exit puts the exclamation point on this very well done record.
FKAjazz carries a unique vision where his upbringing of ‘90s hip-hop and R&B are met with his formal studying of jazz, and together with the many contributors on hand Beautifully Awkward flows, twists and turns, and thrives with an impressive genre defying delivery.
Travels well with: Sammy Miller And The Congregation- Leaving Egypt; RJ.. & The Assignment- Hybrid Harmony