Record Label: Independent Release

Style: World Music

Musicians: Roger Smith (vocals and lyricist) Thorr Madsen (composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist)

Review:

The beguiling blend of cool jazz, R&B/Soul, and pop feathering are the elements which New York City based duo Lemon uses to make their exquisite arias elevate with reposing lapses and breezy parterres on their latest release Changing Into Me. The sleek, sumptuous vocals of Roger Smith caress the lyrical phrases with an amorous fervency coasting along the cascading melodic arroyos crafted by Danish producer/multi-instrumentalist Thorr Madsen.  The music buffets a sensual vocal charisma along comforting dreamscapes that carry you off into a luxuriating stratosphere of world music.

The collaboration of Smith and Madsen has proven to be a proficient partnership of harmonious components.  Smith’s limbered vocals suture soul and affection to a berth of heavenly solace, erecting a melodic haven that transports you away in warmth and tenderness.  “Come Alive” furnishes sultry synth segments along deep, lively grooves while Smith’s vocals rove with a soulful delivery that resonates like a saxophone in Robert Glasper’s control.  The blues vocal weights on “Ain’t Coming Back” provides lavish dips and long sweeps reminiscent of vocalist Mick Hucknall of Simply Red and solo artist Jamie Cullum.  Lemon’s blues consonance has longevity and meaning behind every lamenting note and every upward melodic swing.

The R&B/cool jazz balms on “Simple Minded” adds a new dimension to Soul with the right touch of violins and precise measurements of finger snapping percussion trundles.  The eloquence of the piece is seductive and awakens sensations and desires.  The charming synth sections of “One Night Stand” glide with smooth swaying dance steps stylized with pop accents.  The breathy vocals on “You Make Me Want You” reclines with a sensual flow along cool breezy coves and charming ringlets.  The music is dreamy and relaxing with empowering vocals that captivate and billow with desire.

Changing Into Me is Lemon’s sophomore album following their smooth jazz/blues tinged debut release Weight Of The World.  Lemon’s songs speak of the affairs of the heart and will leave an indelible mark on the listener’s mind.

Tracks: Come Alive, One Night Stand, Ain’t Coming Back, Simple Minded, I’ve Been Told, Has Anyone Seen My Baby, Already Over, I’m Falling, Don’t Tell Me, Anything Goes Today, You Make Me Want You  

Artist's Website: http://www.lemoncentral.com

Listen: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lemon3

Reviewed by: Susan Frances

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