Richly soulful sounds from Nicola Conte – his first album for Far Out
Records, but a set that shows the spiritual journey he's been
on for the past decade or so
on a variety of other labels! Conte has really matured into a jazz visionary – using the same energy here with live musicians that he used to bring to studio projects – in a warm blend of classic soulful styles, with work from an excellent lineup that includes Zara McFarlane and Myles Sanko
on vocals, Alberto Parmegiani
on guitar, Timo Lassy
on tenor, Simon Mullier
on vibes, Milena Jancuric
on flute, and Ameen Saleem
on bass. All players are wonderful – pushing past anything we might have expected – and McFarlane is especially great
on the record, almost hitting heights that feel like Dee Dee Bridgewater back in the day! Titles include "Arise", "Dance Of Love & Peace", "Flying Circles", "Freedom & Progress", "Soul Of The People", "Into The Light Of Love", "Umoja Unity", and "Heritage".