Flowers For The Living＜Galaxy Swirl Vinyl＞

Coinciding with Mourning [A] BLKstars tenth anniversary, Flowers for the Living is billed as the Cleveland collectives first album since 2020s The Cycle. MAB continuously moved forward between that release and this one, performing on their own and touring as Lonnie Holleys backing band, and issuing intermediary studio projects like Celestial Bodies and Ancient//Future. Founding members LaToya Kent and RA Washington also worked together on a solo tape by the former and their Me:You duo recording Field Tapes in der Trash. On this edifying set, MAB recommence what they call their "spirit work" while further melding soul, blues, gospel, jazz, hip-hop, house, and experimental electronic music in a way that is both avant-garde and accessible. In the past, they developed new material on the road, but this time, they entered the studio at square one. The sound here is a little more open and out and less processed, due in part to greater presence of live drums and bass, respectively by Dante Foley and funk-inclined associate-turned-member Jah Nada. Pete Saudek, responsible for the ragged rhythm guitar, also adds sensitive keyboard shadings. The tumbling processional title song puts forth the notion that those deserving of honor and gratitude -- "For your bravery, for your hope" -- should receive it while theyre alive. The deceased are honored as well. "Lil Bobby Hutton" is both an urgent protest song and a tribute to the teenaged Black Panther Party treasurer who was shot dead by Oakland police. James Longs, at his most guttural, delivers a volcanic lead, lamenting a world "fueled by hubris." Introspective highlight "Letter to a Nervous System" is introduced with soft tones that could be mistaken for a dusty Brian Eno piece, but all the players gradually settle in with a wafting ballad that evokes a mood not unlike that of James Browns "King Heroin." Theresa Mays trumpet shares a mournful lead role with the alternately separate and unison ruminations of Kent and Longs. Southern rocker Lee Bains is featured on the confrontational call-and-response opener, "Stop Lion 2" ("Where them crooks? Where them crooks?"), while left-field MC Fatboi Sharif looms over the jerky last minute of the defiant "Let Em Eat." "Choir Alight," a burning finale powered by Longs (with whispered support from Kent), lets the listener out with a plea to not surrender. No matter how far these musicians let their imaginations take them, Flowers for the Living can be dug like an old soul record. ~ Andy Kellman