Enigmatic Society＜Translucent Yellow Vinyl＞

Only three months after the release of their 2020 Dinner Party LP, Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Kamasi Washington certified that the project of the same name would not be a one-time deal. They presented Dinner Party: Dessert with Herbie Hancock, Snoop Dogg, Bilal, Tarriona "Tank" Ball (sans Bangas), and many other associates in on fairly radical alternate versions of each Dinner Party cut. At the end of the year, Dinner Party were behind the title track of Martins solo Village Days EP, and at some later point reconvened to make this follow-up. Enigmatic Society was synchronized with the unique quartets appearance at Coachella 2023. Its another inviting exercise in concision that vaporizes genre distinctions between jazz, soul, and funk in a way that is ultimately hip-hop despite a total lack of MCs. Main Dinner Party vocalist Phoelix shares his role this time with Arin Ray and Ant Clemons. The three are on the same page with warmhearted expressions and intimate vocals that waft as peacefully as Martin and Washingtons saxophones. The tone is set by Phoelix in "Answered Prayer," an atmospheric ballad built on Glaspers serene piano; he sounds like hes transmitting from the beyond as he sings of contentment and gratitude. "Secure," also without drums, takes to the sky with help from the elder Tank. Phoelix signs off with "Cant Go," his noncompliance echoed by the sampled voice of Daryl Hall stretched to a drawl. Further evidence that this is a crew of 80s babies is in the Sounwave co-production "Insane," a showcase for a resigned Ant Clemons that blows bubbles with Mtumes "Juicy Fruit." Ray takes the mike for the albums three most amiable songs, supporting an overwhelmed loved one on "Breathe," and on both the softly bobbing "For Granted" and misty "Love Love" testifying in simple terms without being trite. As on the self-titled session, there is some instrumental material. The calmly driving "Watts Renaissance" evokes persistence and communal support. "The Lower East Side," co-helmed by Trevor Lawrence, Jr., is dubbed-out funk with a grimace-inducing change at the two-minute mark. Enigmatic Society is neither as powerful nor as weighty as the debut, and certainly doesnt seem intended to match it in those regards. Its altogether a calmer, more romantic work. ~ Andy Kellman

テラス・マーティン、ロバート・グラスパー、カマシ・ワシントン、9thワンダーによるユニットの3年ぶり2作目。前作に続いてフェリックスが歌うネオ・ソウル群のクオリティは高く、加えてエムトゥーメイやホール&オーツなど大ネタ使いの楽曲のリラックスした聴き心地や、一転して地を這うようなインスト・ファンクもある。大御所たちが伸び伸びと紡いだであろう快作。
bounce (C)池谷瑛子