Soul queen Gizelle Smith teases solo album with double-sider 45
Gizelle Smith announces her return on the music scene with this fantastic double-A side single ahead of a new album slated for release March 30th 2018. The record sees her moving on from the classic sound of her debut album as she’s expanded her musical palette to incorporate more psychedelic and jazzy progressions, bold arrangements and adventurous instrumentation. This next level of artistic development in Gizelle is a joy to discover and signals exciting times ahead…
First track “Sweet Memories” announces the return with a bang and really showcases Smith’s vocal range and control. Coupling her beautifully layered harmonies and powerful topline acrobatics over a funky backdrop of tasteful guitar, solid bass and tight drums the emotive lyrics and charged up chorus capture listeners as she pours her heart out into the mic. Flitting between honey dripped soul during the verses before a full on frontal funk assault from the chorus it’s a treat from the first note to the last.
The flipside is definitely one for the modern soul crowd – the bouncing “S.T.A.Y.” boasts a bassline that does more walking than your average Labrador and a groove that wouldn’t be out of place on an Isley Brothers or Gil Scott Heron LP. Soul man extraordinaire and respected Stones Throw Records alumni Eric Boss also gets in on the action contributing vocals to accompany Ms Smith. The uplifting and positive message of this song is the sunshine to “Sweet Memories” rainy day – there’s something in this single for listeners whatever the weather.
“Sweet Memories” / “S.T.A.Y” out Dec. 1st on 45/Digital via Jalapeno Records
