Nigerian-born jazz musician Shola Emmanuel’s infectious smile comes across boldly in his new release, “Ododo”. Jazz is at its best when its improvised and pelting away at the listener with twists and turns around each corner. Minus some really cool polished spots, “Ododo” is completely unencumbered and draws the listener in from the get-go.
Now calling Atlanta, Georgia, home base, Emmanuel has performed across the globe. He’s toured in Canada, Italy, France, the United Kingdom and United States. He cites his musical heroes as Quincy Jones, Sting, Herbie Hancock and has been influenced by such greats as Yanni, Hugh Masekela, Kirk Whalum, Miles Davis and more. In 2018 he released his debut EP Yoruba Project (five tracks). “Ododo” is from his 2020 album, Kind of Music and follows “Kind of Music (Ife)” as its second single.
URL: sholaemmanuel.com/
The piano, a constant in this piece, is dainty at times. At other times, the piano glides along, taking the listener into a different world. Just focusing on the keys, with lapses turning to other instruments, is easiest on the first listen. It’s a smooth jazz vibe, the peaceful “true” tones. Concerning the vocals, they are not sung in English. I’m at a disadvantage to not pass along lyrics, but assure you that music’s global language needs no Rosetta Stone. “Ododo” bops along as if it were the native language to the listener…the soul of the sound is present in all of us.
The drum arrangements color the scenery with bonks and spanks. There’s a bit of a “hiss” sound splashing, but this isn’t a typical drum kit. I think the drums are traditional African fusion percussion, giving the song an added authentic spice. A few times a wash overpowers the musical layers, but it’s very subtle. More than anything, the saxophone steals the show.
Emmanuel’s saxophone playing is very open. As a listener, I felt like he was really going to let loose and crank up the amplification, but like a dance troupe, he stayed in his lane, with bright beams and kicks that could challenge the legs at Radio City Music Hall. There’s a bounce that balances the listener between pop, jazz and world music. His enthralling playing defies genres and fits instantly with the listener. He ricochet’s between the drum, piano, vocals and bass lines like a galloping deer. The immense energy generated by the song’s end is thrilling. One can just picture the gratitude and grins from the musicians. They must have been on cloud nine recording this song.
AMAZON: music.amazon.fr/albums/B08CHJ9ZLB
Vocally, the singers in “Ododo” transcends cultures and borders. Really, these moving voices chronicle years of experiences and feelings into their repertoire. All can be heard in their churning music beds and anthemic, propelled chorus. While Emmanuel’s illuminating saxophone lights the way, it’s the vocals that are the respite and the beacon for the listener. This song might be anchored in the saxophone stylings, but it’s the words and the vocals that carry this raft comprised of light and love safely ashore.
Clay Burton