Afrofuturism
Temple Mountain, 2021
8/10
The percussionist and composer Michael Wimberly returns with the 3rd and final installment in his Afrofuturism series, where he spans several genres while bringing his jazz roots into a very exciting, cross cultural formula.
“Alive” starts the album with much atmosphere and soft and soulful sounds as Wimberly’s expressive vocals are complemented by Sharief Hobley’s pretty pipes, and “Mack Daddy’s Woman” follows with an R&B spirit that’s groove friendly and recruits warm brass.
The middle tracks bring us the brief, gospel influenced “Lovin’ Everywhere”, while “Dance With You” welcomes Joss Stone amid a glorious picking display of World Music exploration. “Dell Song”, a truly exceptional tune, then highlights Foday Musa Suso for a soaring and melodic delivery of Western African nods that are immediately gripping.
Deeper yet, “Radio” takes help from Gary Pinto on a synth fueled and highly percussive album highlight that even gets a bit crunchy, too, and “Solei” showcases impressive vibraphone on a call and response vocal strategy that finishes the album on a very enlightening, even fascinating, note.
Somewhat surprisingly, Wimberly primarily plays keyboards on this record, and there’s 15+ musicians lending their exceptional talent as funk, pop, Afrobeat, Neo-soul and many other ideas unfold in a manner that few others could replicate.
Travels well with: Nelson Riveros- The Latin Side Of Wes Montgomery; Duende Libre- The Dance She Spoke