(June 21, 2021) The best duets feel like conversations that can take place between two people in a bedroom, an intimate restaurant or on a park bench. Whether it’s Marvin and Tammi telling each other what they would do if the world was theirs, or Roberta and Donny wondering where is the love, the realness of the devotion of dissolution expressed in the lyrical conversation is what captures the imagination of listeners.
(June 21, 2021) The best duets feel like conversations that can take place between two people in a bedroom, an intimate restaurant or on a park bench. Whether it’s Marvin and Tammi telling each other what they would do if the world was theirs, or Roberta and Donny wondering where is the love, the realness of the devotion of dissolution expressed in the lyrical conversation is what captures the imagination of listeners.
That is what singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mr. Jazz and Nina Mac capture on their duet “Heart Away.” This cut has all of the elements of a great soul duet, from an arrangement that mergers jazz and R&B, to lyrics that tell a story of one person trying to make the case for why love will work the second time around -- and the other person trying to decide whether its worth the risk. The track features two distinct voices eloquently and elegantly expressing two viewpoints. The song’s title tells listeners what is at stake.
Mr. Jazz brings a lifetime of experience to the game and it shows on this track. He moved from drums to guitar to bass after starting playing music in his grandad’s church. His work on the bass continues to this day, and Mr. Jazz is a much sought after bassist who has played for The Isley Brothers, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder. Well, you can’t do better than that. He’s played for artists in genres ranging from hip-hop, gospel, reggae and of course soul and R&B. Check out his latest here.
By Howard Dukes
Mr. Jazz and Soulmatik
"Heart Away"