Horizon is a buzzing, beautiful and downright head-tingling piece of quality new jazz. With a super-deep bass line that drives a soul-felt lyrical blast from Niara Scarlett, a young and talented singer, whose London roots you can almost feel as this record glows neon from the outset and through the sensual and conscious chorus.
I’ve never fallen out of love with Fontella Bass, ever since I heard her on *Theme De Yo-yo sang along side her hubby in the enigmatic and absolutely out of this world jazz troupe *‘Art Ensemble of Chicago’. Now all this single has done is reaffirmed to me that Bass possesses a voice beautifully wholesome you could kiss the notes. **Evolution II is perfectly marked up from the original, breathtaking and bright.
**Oregon is wedged between these two outstanding pieces of female vocal transcendence, and whilst being a de facto saxophone piece of beauty, will be hard pressed to gain as much attention as the two outer pegs of the record.
The record is incalculably addictive, and has spent 2 hours continuously on my player whilst I read a book that regardless of content, seemed blissfully beautiful…probably the smac talking but I like to think otherwise.
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10Ralph Cowling's Score