Lay Low

Eddie Chacon(エディ・チャコン)の新作ソロアルバム『Lay Low』がStones ThrowからアナログLPでリリース決定。過去2作はJohn Carroll Kirbyが全面プロデュースを手掛けていたが、今作は新たなパートナーにNY出身のNick Hakimを迎えプロデュースを担当。

Having recorded two superb albums of understated contemporary soul with keyboardist and producer John Carroll Kirby, Eddie Chacon changed direction by connecting with Nick Hakim for his third one. Going into the two-year making of Lay Low, Chacon told his new collaborator -- who had previously remixed the Pleasure, Joy and Happiness finale "Above Below" into percussive, dubbed-out funk -- that he was going for "hazy and sensual" with "darkness, but theres light to be found if you search for it." In other words, as those familiar with Hakims solo records and production work might hear it, "Do you." Its no shock then that Hakim proves to be a compatible partner on Lay Low. Its murkier and more psychedelic in relation to Chacons preceding LPs while remaining grounded in leisurely paced, intensely contemplative R&B. The singer was processing the death of his mother, and several songs regard a faltering relationship that isnt specified. Theres one uptempo number. "Empire" is a low-slung disco-funk weeper with a touch of Here, My Dear-era Marvin Gaye (and Kirby on synthesizer), where Chacon sounds relieved to have found a right way to express long-simmering doubt. He seems to be eyeing a fresh start, and its a reprieve from the grim prospects conveyed elsewhere. On "Let the Devil In," hes practically overcome with grief, gently piercing when he confesses "Its tearing me apart" in falsetto. "End of the World," one of a couple songs with washed-out Philly soul flourishes, is weary if comforting as Chacon expresses hopelessness. "Good Sun" sets the grieving tone as Chacon addresses his mother with "I just miss you home," bereft in his head voice over drums that plod in a way that indicates stupefaction. Like Kirby, Hakim has a thing for vintage-sounding mechanical rhythms, and the spare and effective way theyre utilized helps lend sonic continuity between Chacons 2020 and 2023 albums. The key throughline, of course, is the sound of Chacons voice -- an instrument that pacifies no matter the states of uncertainty and distress the purposeful lyrics indicate. ~ Andy Kellman