Black Acid Soul
Foundation, 2021
9/10
The first album from the soul and jazz vocalist Lady Blackbird, the rising artist has assembled an all star band for the 11 rich and inviting tracks that comprise Black Acid Soul.
Nina Simone’s “Blackbird” starts the album with much subdued beauty as Blackbird’s calm, soulful pipes are met with Jimmy Paxson’s bare drums and Deron Johson’s warm keys, and “It’s Not That Easy” follows with a powerful delivery from Blackbird amid the agile piano.
In the middle, “Nobody’s Sweetheart” displays Chris Seefried’s spirited electric guitar and Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews’ well timed trumpet where much grace enters the timeless jazz landscape, while “Collage” puts more emphasis on drumming in the precise and poetic album highlight. “Five Feet Tall”, another exceptional track, then bring Seefried’s guitar back for an emotive and heartfelt delivery.
“Beware The Stranger” arrives late in the listen and enters darker areas of lush and dreamy song craft with the hazy backing vocals leaving an indelible impression, and the title track exits the listen with Jon Flaugher’s double bass prowess adding much allure to the mysterious demeanor.
Comparisons to Grace Jones and Celeste are certainly warranted here, and along with influences such as Billie Holiday and Gladys Knight, Lady Blackbird absolutely holds her own against those names, and is clearly on a path to similar greatness, if this impressive debut is any indication.
Travels well with: Nina Simone- Little Blue Girl; Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn