'Light of Love' by Kaveh Rastegar

'Light of Love' marks the debut solo offering bassist, songwriter and producer, Kaveh Rastegar, released through the indelible Ropeadope Records.

Perhaps best-known for his contributions as bass player for the jazz-fusion five-piece, Kneebody, the multi-faceted artist's talents extend far beyond the band's multiple releases with Rastegar having chalked up session work, live performances and production for a diverse array of artists including Beck, Anthony Hamilton, De La Soul, Meshell Ndegeocello, Sia, John Legend and Ledisi.

It's a staggering collection of styles and influences, all of these years of dynamic collaborations culminate with 'Light of Love' - a project that thrives on that same level of partnership and teamwork throughout.

Blue Note drummer Chris Dave appears on several of the album's tracks, even earning himself a "featuring" credit on two funk-styled intermissions, 'Tom Tom' and 'Cat Woman'; the honey-toned vocals of Becca Stevens - a treat for any project - graces 'A Little Too Late', but highlights are genuinely aplenty on this album with Dawn Richard, Ames and Gaby Moreno all sounding sublime on their respective efforts, as does trumpeter Nicholas Payton on the soulful 'Long March'.

Rastegar's résumé alone should serve as more than enough to peak interest in this project but the match-made-in-heaven union with Ropeadope makes 'Light of Love' a real treasure for 2018.