A Higher Place
Pravda, 2019
8/10
The Iowa City groove enthusiasts return with a 6th album of funk and soul sounds where the 8 players contribute their respective talents to a listen that will have you heading straight for the dance floor.
“Common Ground” starts the album with soft horns, harmonic group vocals and a soulful R&B setting, and this continues to the groove filled and melodic “Crazy About You”, as well as the guitar fueled retro sounds of “Sometimes”.
The middle of the album offers the restrained yet playful “Gotta Find That Man”, the big, festive setting of “Already Gone”, where finger snappin’ and organs ensure a good time, and the percussively strong “Brave New World”, where extremely elegant vocals help make this one of the album’s best.
Near the end, “Hole In Your Sole” will easily get anyone’s body in motion with its upbeat feeling and bouncy Motown spirit, and “Dry Land” ends the listen with emotive, soaring beauty that’s instantly memorable.
If you’re in the market for some neo-soul and an irresistible listen that you won’t be able to sit still while listening to, Diplomats Of Solid Sound will be your new infatuation.
Travels well with: Andre Williams- I Wanna Go Back To Detroit City; Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings- Give The People What They Want