Behind The Tea Chronicles
MPS, 2023
8/10
Listen to Behind The Tea Chronicles
The Brazil native and globally revered artist Ed Motta returns after a half decade hiatus with his 14th studio album, and it sure doesn’t shy away from grooves, soulfulness and atmosphere.
“Newsroom Customers” begins the listen with bright percussion and soaring strings that emit much warm in the cinematic delivery that showcases Motta’s silky smooth pipes, and “Slumberland” follows with rich, soft instrumentation amid the soothing singing that points towards the ‘70s.
Elsewhere, the bouncy “Of Good Strain” uses the lively piano and expressive singing with a hint of quirkiness, while “Buddy Longway” is a dreamy minute of folk influenced songwriting that relies on acoustic guitar.
Further still, “Tolerance On High Street” allows Motta’s impressive range to shine via the bare versus tense bouts, and “Confrere’s Exile” exits with firm keys and a swirling energy of restraint and meticulous songwriting.
A very worldly affair that touches on rock, jazz, soul and many other ideas, Motta’s Brazilian heritage is on full display across this diverse and exciting listen.
Travels well with: Matt Von Roderick- Celestial Heart; Angelo De Augustine- Toil And Trouble