The Redemption of The Scared Duchess

“This is Africa Unite. Two worlds collide as a whole new generation of afro-beat artists reinterpret the classic songs of Bob Marley. As the name suggests, unity is at the heart of the album. For more than four decades, Bob Marley has been providing the world with his powerful, evocative, and transformational music. Initially introducing the music of his native Jamaica to all corners of the globe, Marley signed with Island Records in 1973, before going on to achieve international superstardom and now legendary status. His songs remain timeless and universal – a sound that echoes through the generations – and with it, The Wailers and Marley have built a place for themselves in the very fabric of our lives. When were you first introduced to So Much Trouble, Dem Belly Full, and Redemption Song? Do you remember the first time you heard Waiting in Vain or Three Little Birds? For how many years now, have you been listening to Buffalo Soldier, Stir It Up, Jammin’ or One Love?

The Cookers are a young group of oldsters, seven esteemed jazz veterans of some 60s and 70s years of age whose experience and ongoing creativity now offer their latest development. Often a gathering of jazz greats produces nice, somewhat nostalgic but not distinctive recordings; this one is different. These artists are true colleagues who worked with each in other ensembles, and while leaders of their own bands, they can mesh into the composition. Two trumpets, Eddie Henderson and David Weiss, are joined with two saxophones, Donald Harrison on alto and Billy Harper on tenor. Bass, piano, and drums are the forte respectively of George Cables, Cecil McGee, and Billy Hart.

The Weeknd’s epochs can be clearly defined as pre- and post-“Can’t Feel My Face.” The mysterious character of his mixtape trilogy cut an enigmatic figure lurking seedy club and hotel corridors, and producer Max Martin transformed him into a radio-friendly Kids’ Choice Award nominee, a progression that led to an eventual rebirth as a Daft Punk-retrofitted Starboy. He straddled the line on his last EP, My Dear Melancholy, but there has always been an explicit conflict between the volatile, shapeless R&B of his breakthrough and the sophisti-pop of his star turn.