Thomas Motter is a renowned keyboard player and band leader emanating from Germany. He is a master collaborator of musicians for all genres and across the continents.
This album really is the who's who of musicians and vocalists and was recorded in at least six different studios. This must have been a logistical nightmare which involved plenty of planning. However, the final production that is Somewhere Out There is truly remarkable. Hence, this album is highly rated. This is definitely one collaboration for the collection.
I had no intention of purchasing any music until one sunny Saturday afternoon. In-fact, it was 22nd April 2017, known to the vinyl junkie as World Record Day. I strolled into Soul Brother Records and didn't even get to the end of the first track before I handed over my hard earned cash to Lawrence. I could not even negotiate a discount.
A great opening for the album featuring one of Weather Report's bassists, Victor Bailey, embracing Your Smile, which delivers a funky undertone. The guitars complement each other as Danny Matinez and Jimi Wilkes hold a great conversation with none other than saxophonist Bill Evans. This track has all the makings of nostalgia, taking you back to the early days of the Montreal Jazz Festival.
Switching genres as Motter transitions to Call & Response 1 featuring Angie Brown on vocals and Eric Conley. The harmony of this uplifting gospel and blues song will leave you feeling warm.
I had not heard from LeNora Jaye since the days of The Delfloristics. Waiting showcases her talent as a vocalist and writer in this soulful number; we really ought to hear more of her.
I Will Let Go Now is the epitome of smooth soul as Helena Paul delivers an outstanding performance. The vocal melody is very well structured and the composition pleasing to the ear.
Motter does a fabulous job and again switches genres again on Somewhere Out There. Played on the foundation of a steady Amen drum riff and layered with a funky bassline delivered by the UK's finest, Francis Hylton. The flute locks in tight with the eight bar chorus keeping it simple yet engaging.
More gospel inspired music with Call & Response 2 seguing into a deep blues feel. Nene Vasquez adds a light percussion feel to this heavy swing.
Cuba Libra features Nene Vasquez again on percussion, taking the theme back to the Caribbean islands. Motter gives a nod to the Cuban culture with this track and should be considered as one of their own for this Latin inspired rhythm.
Call & Response 3 is a big vocal track; again blues inspired. Although the vocalists are different from 1 & 2 earlier, the overall sound remains unchanged.
Do reminds me of Incognito, with Helena Paul on lead vocals. The track has a Brit jazz funk feel to it which is exciting. Can we get Motter and friends to Ronnie Scotts or The Hideaway please?
If you like a ballad and want heartfelt lyrics then Moon 88 is the one for you. Keith Anderson delivers a smooth saxophone chorus and Dany Martinez adding complimentary infills.
A great addition to the collection which can be purchased from Soul Brother Records.