Customer Reviews

Speak

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After having worked with artists like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Lisa Stansfield, and The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, 28 year old Nigerian/British bassist Michael Olatuja releases his debut CD "Speak", a Jazzy/Neo-Soul affair sprinkled with African influences (talking drum, conga, and djembe), and guest vocalists ranging from late UK Neo-soul singer Lynden David Hall, Terri Walker, and his wife Alicia Olatuja to mention a few.

The album comprises just 10 tracks perfectly showcasing his skills on the 4-strings, and with lyrics of hope and faith. Opening the CD is ""Ma foya" featuring David Hall's velvety croon, a rhythmic Afro beat-style groove, and a chorus sung in Yoruba. The album was recorded between 2003 and 2004 before Hall's untimely passing. Hall appears again on the D'Angelo-style "Hold on" which also features Andrew Roachford (from the band Roachford). "Altar call" is a gently lilting number with Eska Mtungwazi on vocals, while the scat-peppered Jill Scott-style choppy groove "Little sister" features Terri Walker. Onaje Jefferson lends his vocals to the languid "Le jardin" with gently tinkling ivories and cascading harmonies in the background.

"Yi yipada" again features Eska Mtungwazi scatting/singing against a percussion rich pseudo-Brazilian groove, while an angelic voiced Alicia Olatuja sings on the sultry "Unconditional" (with some verses in Yoruba) as well as on the traditional Gospel song "Walk with me" (on which she sings in a mournful lower register) which incidentally is one of the Jazziest songs on offer here with a nice live big band sound (very nicely plucked bass and superb piano). Closing cut "Mama Ola" is a Waltz-like instrumental with Jason Rebello & Jean Toussaint on piano and horns respectively. Title track "Speak" features TY rapping in a laid back spoken word style, against syncopated Hip Hop-style beats and an incredibly groovy bassline. Excellent!

This is an outstanding debut from a super talent. Speaks volumes!!

I happened upon this cd late summer as a suggestion based on other music bought from Amazon and had planned to purchase it then. Somehow my computer shut down before I could make the purchase. I had forgotten about it but when making another Amazon purchase it popped up on my wish list. Two months later I made the purchase and I can't stop playing it. Every single last song is wonderful from the African flavor to jazz, neo-soul and inspirational lyrics - All I can say is wow! I'm looking to catch a live performance. I can't wait to hear more from Olatuja.