9 out of 10 Sonic Soul Review

The best (as always) for last...

Before the year ends, it's time to catch up on things we've missed. For example: Stephen Emmer! Why only now? The best (as always) for last. Or something like that. What's certain is that we only learned about this gentleman's musical artistry this past summer. Yet he's been involved in music since the late 70s, first with the Minny Pops (avant-garde new wave electro-noise), then as a member of the Associates (with Billy McKenzie!) and the Lotus Eaters.

His first solo recordings followed, then various projects for film and television, but it wasn't until 2006 with Recitement and 2014 with International Blue that he finally found his true calling. It was all about beautiful sound: expansive arrangements over sweeping melodic lines, without any pandering to fleeting trends or other demands of the pop music industry. Naturally, he was also free from any genre boundaries, committed solely to good taste.

Over the past year, Home Ground resonated with some discerning soul-jazz circles, primarily due to the contributions of Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, Kendra Foster, Mary Griffin, Ursula Rucker, Leon Ware, Andy Bey, Frank McComb, and Dwight Trible to the recordings. 'Home Ground' is also conceptually driven, addressing the state of the world itself, refugees, motivations and situations, unresolved problems, and the resulting intolerable circumstances.

Clear words in harmonious sound. Emmer's music is reminiscent of Bacharach, his ‘At This Time’ has a similar effect. Thoughtful, clearly structured melodies that don't grant immediate or unconditional access, and above all, an understanding of harmonies and arrangements that keeps Stephen and Burt closely connected. We find that remarkable.

[Sonic Soul Germany - Editorial]

Listen to Home Ground on your favourite platform here

Or buy the Home Ground album on CD here