Souls Alive In The 305
Pipiki, 2022
8/10
Listen to Souls Alive In The 305
The diverse and globally relevant pop artist and multi-instrumentalist Jose Conde brings his New York Afro Cuban roots to a very ambitious sophomore solo record that takes the help of the producer DJ Spam and was recorded between Brooklyn and Miami.
“Poetry In Motion” gets the album off to a very radiant start, where shimmering instrumentation is met with soulful singing that recruits the San Diego artist Geminelle amid the airy flute moments, and “Dale Pa ‘Ya” follows with Cuci Amador on board for the cultured pop display that’s a bit funky, too.
The title track arrives early in the listen, and showcases Armando Lopez on drums for the smooth and stylish retro-pop album highlight, while “Grito Ambiental” makes great use of Scott Kettner (Nation Beat) behind the drum kit to complement Conde’s expressive singing, where Brazilian flavor is appreciated.
Nearing the end, “Nude Poetry” offers a stripped back version of an earlier tune, where well timed brass and dreamy vocals make for a mysterious landscape, and “Sound Is Sonido” blends talking and singing with a fusion-rock template.
An effort that still very much retains his Cuban heritage, Conde is also well versed in modern pop ideas, and along with the exceptional guests he blends funk, disco, rap, rock and blues into a highly memorable formula.
Travels well with: Brownout- Berlin Sessions; Diplomats Of Solid Sound- A Higher Place