FATHERS

FATHERS is a unique collaboration, in both the artists involved and the music itself. FATHERS features producer Kenny Beats, keyboardist Kiefer, bassist CARRTOONS, and drummer Nate Smith. Kenny Beats is the man behind the board; engineering these tracks into a chromed-out sheen, bulletproof and dense. Kenny Beats list of production credits is too long to mention, but he’s worked with the biggest acts in the music industry and is known for his penchant for hip-hop production skills.

The musical trio left are top notch musicians who bring years of experience to their brand of modern jazz. FATHERS’ debut clocks in at just under 30 minutes and 8 tracks. It takes a couple listens to crack the code, but once you do the infectious grooves will sustain you for days.

At first listen, FATHERS debut feels a little stiff. These are all amazing musicians, and Kenny Beats production resume speaks for itself, but the songs feel like they’re in a vacuum. I don’t want to say AI music, but maybe muzak? I wasn’t sure how to unpack this Blue Note debut. Like getting to the center of a Tootsie Pop, it took three licks…err, I mean listens. Then it hit.

“EYE LEVEL” opens things on a slow groove, drummer Nate Smith giving us a rhythm to sink into. The keys, bass, and electronics give everything an almost otherworldly feel as Kenny Beats brings it all together into some impenetrable sonic force. “PATCHWORK” is all forward motion with something that sounds like part fusion/lounge music but repurposed by someone like Madlib. Boxed jazz grooves turned into hot funk cuts.

That’s the vibe throughout FATHERS debut album. From the low key funk of “STUB” to the R&B swing of “TOMORROW, AGAIN” and the soulful piano of album closer “FIGURE 8” which brings to mind the work of Vince Guaraldi, before slipping into a silk robe and the best bourbon in town.

FATHERS is an album that rewards with repeated listens. It’s modern jazz with a hip hop twist. And grooves to last for days.