Just released is bass genius MARCUS MILLER’s new album on Blue Note. It’s called ‘Laid Black’ and features several notable guest appearances – from singer Selah Sue (on an empowering version of the Sly & Family Stone inspired ‘Que Sera Sera’), Trombone Shorty (on the super-funky ‘7-Ts’), and vocal group, Take 6, saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, and pianist, Alex Han on the closing cut, the pensive, gospel-infused ‘Preacher’s Kid.’
Miller, a prolific, multi-Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and recording artist whose credits range from Luther Vandross to Miles Davis, serves up a fantastic, bass-heavy smorgasbord of soul, funk, and jazz flavours, though adds a contemporary urban twist. A case in point is ‘Runnin’,’ Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic cut from their 1977 ‘All N All’ album, which is slowed-down and reconfigured as a contemporary R&B jam titled ‘Keep Em Runnin.’
Describing the new album, Miller says: “With ‘Laid Black,’ I decided to bring the music right up to the present – using elements from what’s happening in urban music today. So you’ll hear hip-hop, trap, soul, funk, R&B and jazz on this album. The music is calm but also powerful and funky, drawing on the black musical experience.”
‘Laid Black’ is out now on Blue Note Records
