Amanda Whiting - Can You See Me Now (First Word)
- The Slow Music Movement
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Hot on the heels of my review of Alina Bzhezhinska's new single, along comes Amanda Whiting, no stranger to TSMM, and another talented harp player. As well as helping change classically skewed perceptions of this ancient instrument, and with collaborations as diverse as Matthew Halsall, DJ Yoda and Rebecca Vasmant under her belt, she's taking the instrument to all corners of the musical spectrum, not to mention nurturing the harp continuum via her jazz harp teaching at various educational establishments.
'Can You See Me Now?' for First Word Records sees her teaming up with Adam Scrimshire for his jazz wise production skills, Alice Russell and Faye Houston for their deep soul credentials and members of her live band to add some warm live instrumentation on this laid back transmission - I can assure you no fingers bled during the recording of this EP.
The well named "Contended" starts proceedings, Whiting happy to sit back and survey the studio, at ease with her abilities and vision, and translating that knowledge of self into a serene spiritual jazz opener. "What Is It We Need" sees soul legend Russell knock on the studio door to thread her soulful peace and love message through the lazy drums, genteel harp and minimal, perfectly judged stand up bass.
"Intent" sees drummer Jon Reynolds lay down a loose, liquid drum and bass riddim for Whiting to upholster until horn and guitars decided to get busy half way through adding some rare, low key drama to the EP. A summer's Sunday morning soul groove underpins, "It Could Be" as Whiting provides the chill-out refrains the world's leaders need.
If you need some jazz tickled celestial chillout for your summer inactivity then look no further.
Playlist Companion
Find Whiting in the Slow Hop and Slow Soul Playlists:
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