OLU DARA
Neighborhoods
Atlantic
· Olu Dara’s sophomore effort is anything but sophomoric.
The spirited sequel to 1998’s In The World: From Natchez to New York is a potpourri of fun times and bluesy grooves. While rooted in his Mississippi blues upbringing, Olu Dara brings in the international kitchen sink and all its flavours – Neighborhoods is a mouthwatering blend of Africa and America, jazz and funk, congas and Hammond B3.
The album’s maturity stems from the fact the songs have been written over the last 20 years, and that Olu Dara has a lifetime of performing experience. Initially cutting his teeth playing trumpet and coronet, he toured extensively with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. He then switched to guitar and vocals, ultimately leading to this album. Stylistically, it’s all over the place, but never in a disjointed way. Frankly, I prefer the more traditionally rooted and mellower songs including "Strange Things Happen Everyday," "I See the Light" and "The Rolling Sea," a traditional Bahamian sailor’s lament – stunning.
Regardless, this is a party album and would be happy on the CD changer with just about anything. Try it out for your next shindig.
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