The Lord Baltimores
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The duo of R. Jason Vandygriff and David J. Pierce, as The Lord Baltimores the pair mesh funk, rock, R&B, jazz and soul, among other sounds, and they’ve enlisted a large handful of Texas musicians for the effort, most of whom came from the music program at the University of North Texas.
“ Corazon” starts the listen with warm atmosphere, as bright brass and playful drumming enter the soulful climate that uses voices like an instrument, and “Relays” follows with frisky percussion and dreamy flute in the festively textured setting.
Further along, “Featherweight” flows with a soothing quality that benefits much from airy synth and lively horns, while the aptly titled “Fun Steppin’” will certainly get your body moving to the infectious melody, busy brass and thumping drums.
Near to the end, “Tidal” brings a very mature and animated display of smooth strings, crisp drumming, soaring brass and well timed guitars, and “In The Middle Of The Dust” exits the listen with expressive vocals adding to the charm, as a dramatic and poetic finish carries an almost theatric appeal.
Pierce and Vandygriff both have impressive resumes as musicians, producers and writers, and this very diverse and meticulous body of work is hopefully just the beginning for The Lord Baltimores.
Travels well with: The Evolution Of The Arm- Sounds Like; The Heavyweights Brass Band- Stir Crazy