After Hours
Ofeh, 2019
8/10
You’re probably more familiar with Blind Lemon Pledge, aka James Byfield, who has made 7 albums of his esteemed bluesy, Americana ways. Here, Byfield has a handful of his tunes redone by a jazz quartet, with much attention to rhythm, melodies and recruiting plenty of solos along the way.
The title track starts the album with warm, soulful vocals against soft keys and a light retro-jazz setting, and this theme continues to the bluesy, upbeat “If Beale Street Was A Woman”, the playful “Rich People In Love” and the vocally expressive jazz waltz “How Can I Still Love You”.
The back half of the album offers the emotive and gospel friendly “You Can’t Get There From Here”, the sophisticated “Moon Over Memphis” and the jumpy keys of “Ketchup Spaghetti”, which is easily one of the album’s best.
Near the end, the romantic “Lights Out” is another highlight with gorgeous interplay between the musicians, and “Blue Heartbreak” ends the listen on the soft guitars and strong vocals of Marisa Malvino, whose efforts really help illuminate this project.
Byfield proves here that his songwriting abilities transcend genres, and sounds just as vibrant in jazz territory, too. As authentic, heartfelt and intimate as all of his work, this chapter of Blue Lemon Pledge is hopefully just the beginning of the exploration other of avenues of Byfield’s artistry.
Travels well with: Sarah Vaughan- Brazilian Romance; Mose Allison- Mose In Your Ear