With 7 solo album’s to his credit, Pop/Jazz musician and singer Marcus Singletary brings material from his performances at House of Blues, Henry Ford Theatre, and other venues, to his latest creation, Smokin’
Can it be Real is the album’s lead off track… methodical, brooding, with a flashback of 70′s rock that hits me with the blending of Singletary’s voice and the backing vocals, as well as the synth in the chorus – it nontheless has a groove to it that will have your hips moving in your chair.
Meditate boasts flute notes and lighter more airy feel than the previous track, but that underlying beat carries on and keeps you moving. However… now you’re out of your chair and swaying to the music while your mind is starting to let go of the cares of today. The flute in the bridge and into the ending chorus are stellar, complimenting the guitars and drums and it just all melds together into a dreamy/pop kalaidescope of sound.
A little more funk and groove, Get the Dance Gene is chock full of brass; sax, trumpet and more. A little reminiscent of Steely Dan in some sections but Marcus has the ability to take a song that’s funky, and make it sound distinctly Jazz when that Sax hits the solo in the chorus… then turn it back into Funk. Very cool.
Misty Morning is a remix of Bob Marley – but you wouldn’t recognize it. (I had to read the liner notes to know that). Singletary puts his own unique stamp on it.. again with the brass section, and this time backed up by a female singer.
Psychedelic People is a trippy song that changes tempo and tone within the first 8 bars of the intro.. in fact it changes often throughout the song which is unusual, but it works. The addition of many voices adds weight to what might otherwise be too much of a trip to keep your interest. The bass line really stands out in this song for me.. love it.
Shifting gears a little, Farmer is quirky in lyrics, and more upbeat than the previous two tracks. With a catchy riff and melody, there’s solid guitar work front and center in this track.
Drop of a Hat is big brass band sounding, with guitar effects that take me back to ‘Shaft’ or ‘Starsky and Hutch’ soundtrack effects. Boogie Disco with a touch of Jive.. its snappy and hip, and those feet just keep wanting to move to the beat.
You Could Be Lucky is a happy uplifting song and a great way to close the album. Broader in spectrum sound wise, it has a great popcorn midsection (think U2′s Discotheque of all things). Another Smokin’ (pun intended) sax solo and literal jam session are what end the album on a high upbeat note.
Smokin’ also features bassist Cliff Starbuck of Ekoostik Hookah and former Doobie Brothers drummer, Chet McCracken.
This album wont be found in stores – which is a shame. All in all, Marcus Singletary has put together an album with his own unique flair and flavor and its well worth seeking out at CD Baby. (here) Marcus can be found on His Facebook Page
