Martinsville, Virginia born, North Carolina based R’mone Entonio astonishes and astounds with an EP that is gorgeous to the ear. The centerpiece of Unorthodox Soul - The EP, Part 1 is the project single, “Without You.”With a jazz swing and hip hop soul sensibilities, Entonio scats, harmonizes, and just has a grand ol’ time with music that is as infectious as his enthusiasm and musicianship. It helps that Entonio’s baritone is buttercream smooth in ways that are reminiscent of a cleaner, less gritty Anthony David on his debut. Entonio’s barbershop harmonies are impressive enough on their own, but his in the pocket vocal play on lead vocals are no joke either. Already available on iTunes and Amazon, “Without You” is one of those refreshing songs that can’t help but make you smile.
Martinsville, Virginia born, North Carolina based R’mone Entonio astonishes and astounds with an EP that is gorgeous to the ear. The centerpiece of Unorthodox Soul - The EP, Part 1 is the project single, “Without You.”With a jazz swing and hip hop soul sensibilities, Entonio scats, harmonizes, and just has a grand ol’ time with music that is as infectious as his enthusiasm and musicianship. It helps that Entonio’s baritone is buttercream smooth in ways that are reminiscent of a cleaner, less gritty Anthony David on his debut. Entonio’s barbershop harmonies are impressive enough on their own, but his in the pocket vocal play on lead vocals are no joke either. Already available on iTunes and Amazon, “Without You” is one of those refreshing songs that can’t help but make you smile.
As good as it is, “Without You” is not alone in being a singular cut among producer Daniel Hargrove (aka Doc Junya) and singer-songwriter R’Mone Entonio’s Unorthodox Soul. With songs that eclectically play a great deal with vocal overdubbing, harmonizing, and counterpoint in ways not heard since the early recordings of Kevin Maxim aka Kev-O of Afro Blue fame, this is a more rare musical approach to soul in the Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau tradition. The classical, jazz, and vocal training Entonio received at Virginia State University are all on display in the unique arrangements and original compositions he and Hargrove have produced. On songs like “Free,” with just finger snaps, piano, and voice Entonio soothes, whereas a more experimental cut like “Love Ya” simply thrills. As technically complex as the music here can get, all of Unorthodox Soul relaxes the muscles and puts one at ease, keeping everything accessible. As an introduction to an artist who has largely been known ‘til now for his covers work on YouTube, this EP is an exciting welcome and will have you eager for more.
By L. Michael Gipson