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What sets N’Dambi apart from so many of her contemporaries in this nu-soul area is that instead of constructing lyrics to fit a backing track, she leads from the front, putting the emphasis on storytelling within her writing. From there, her big, rich voice allows her to get inside each song, spinning it into its own mini-drama and involving the listener on a very personal level. The music effortlessly complements these stories, as it sets up a number of different funky scenarios that aren’t simply there to show off the singer’s versatility.
Sylvers isn’t afraid of a big arrangement, and secure that N’Dambi can hold her own he creates genuinely three-dimensional soundscapes worthy of his Solar Records back catalogue, and does so by layering contemporary instruments and sounds to bring things right up to date. So you have the easy-rocking funk of Mind Blowin’ and Nobody Jones; superbly-styled jazz/funk with L.I.E.; and Daisy Chain and Can’t Hardly Wait are much more in the classic soul mould – the latter coming with an alternative a cappella mix that brings out its true sentiments. Then there’s The World Is a Beat, a slab of raw, spacious drum-led funk that allows all the space the vocals need to totally take charge, drive the tune and show exactly what makes N’Dambi special.
This is the sort of soul music you’d expect from the likes of Smokey Robinson or Gladys Knight had they been born 40 years later, but, interestingly, N’Dambi doesn’t let herself down by trying too hard to reach those heights. She never stretches, and always seems to have something in reserve, meaning she stays in control and reaches the listener with the sort of emotions you find in true soul singing. --Lloyd Bradley
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Customer Reviews
"Pink Elephant" kicks off with an original take on infidelity, "L.I.E." and the story telling continues with "Nobody Jones," a tale of a wannabe Superstar. "Ooh Baby" showcases her rich, deep vocals and is just so smooth! First single, the funky, anthemic "Can't Hardly Wait" is another album highlight. "Imitator" is probably my favourite track off the whole set and I find myself singing it's catchy hook long after the CD has finished playing.
There is not one bad track on the album and dare I say, a strong contender for album of the year, even at this early stage. Highly recommeded for fans of soulful R&B such as Maxwell, Eric Roberson and the aforementioned Ledisi.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas the gospel roots of N'Dambi's
spiritual and musical upbringing shine through in a voice
which can come across all cute and kittenish one moment
and be up and ready to strip the paint off ceilings in the next.
This is a very grown-up collection. The subtlety and maturity
of her vocal delivery is blissfully evident in every moment
of this convincing collection of twelve very fine songs.
Her ability to grab a melody by the throat and breathe vivid
life into it is quite extraordinary at times.
Listen to 'Ooo Baby' for immediate elucidation.
The performance gives the estimable Mme Khan a run for her money.
Soulful and uplifting, her vocal delivery mixes technique
and emotion in a totally convincing whole.
Phrasing, diction, perfect pitch and a rich tonal palette come together
in one of the finest voices I have heard in the past twenty years.
There are lots of musical treasures to immerse yourself in here.
'L.I.E.' is a stonkingly good opening track!
The classy vocal harmonies enhance the captivatingly
limber central vocal performance wonderfully.
'The One' has a laid-back ambience which gives Ms N'Dambi
lots of space for fluid and perfectly judged expression.
She doesn't just sing the melody - she inhabits it!
'The World Is A Beat' lays down a big infectious groove and our
heroine slides in and out of and around it with slinky certainty.
It's a real party-piece of a song and everyone's having a good time!
The jazzy staccato rhythm of 'Imitator' frames the album's finest
performance. This truly is world-class stuff.
Leon Sylvers III's masterful production brings the whole caboodle to life.
I doubt we will hear many better recordings this year.
Essential.
"Pink Elephant" kicks off with an original take on infidelity, "L.I.E." and the story telling continues with "Nobody Jones," a tale of a wannabe Superstar. "Ooh Baby" showcases her rich, deep vocals and is just so smooth! First single, the funky, anthemic "Can't Hardly Wait" is another album highlight. "Imitator" is probably my favourite track off the whole set and I find myself singing it's catchy hook long after the CD has finished playing.
There is not one bad track on the album and dare I say, a strong contender for album of the year, even at this early stage. Highly recommeded for fans of soulful R&B such as Maxwell, Eric Roberson and the aforementioned Ledisi.
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