It's a Saturday night and you're ready for some quality time with that special someone. The candles have been lit, the wine has been poured, but there's one thing missing - the music.
Fear not my friend, because that's where Parisian trumpeter/composer Soel's debut album, "Memento," comes in.
It could be the way the musician's West African-inspired moniker, pronounced "soh-el," gently rolls around the mouth when said out loud. It could be the worldly vibe of the album's packaging, which features urban images set against a deep red background. Or it could just be the disc's saucy grooves. Every detail is meant to hook and hold you, making it clear that Soel knows exactly how to seduce listeners.
A nine-track trip through genre-blurring territory, "Memento" is a rich and slightly spicy fusion of jazz, funk, soul, electronica and world beats. The result is an album that is sensual, earthy and nothing short of smooth.
Born Pascal Ohsé, Soel is best known for his work with French electronica pioneer Ludovic Navarre, better known as St. Germain. Soel's work with Navarre shows through on "Memento," as does his affinity for vintage soul and jazz music from the '60s and '70s.
The Latin-infused "Le Vicomte" is a nice opener for the album, as it takes a Santana-esque melody and spins it sideways with Edouard Labor's funky takes on sax and flute. "Shining Pains" follows, showcasing some slick work on upright bass and introducing us to Soel's trumpet stylings.
"My Singing Soul" and "Black Women" are two of the best songs on the album, falling in as track numbers three and five, respectively. Featuring a Barry White-like male voice, sultry female backing vocals and ultra-soulful electric guitar, these tracks sound like they came straight from an episode of "Shaft."
Up to this point, "Memento" plays like perfect background music to a steamy make-out session. But then "Prelude" sweeps in with chimes and woodwinds, momentarily switching gears from sexy to trippy. The song seems somewhat out of place sandwiched between its funky neighboring tracks and probably could have been left out of the mix.
But fear not, because "The Earth Mother" and "The Way U R" bring back the groove like it never left the room. Despite cheesy, throaty, spoken-not-sung vocals, these tracks are grounded by great bass lines and solid work on the keys. The final and lengthiest track, "We Have Died Already," wraps everything up with an earthy, contemplative vibe ideal for lazy lounging.
"Memento" is an impressive debut, successfully bridging gaps among musical genres, and proving that Soel is both savvy and inspired.
This disc will be a great addition to the music collection of those who have been searching for a new take on jazz, a fresh approach to funk or just something sexified to set the mood.
Suggested listening: Anytime you want to up the sensual energy
If you liked this artist, you also might like: Barry White, Isaac Hayes
