'Culture Today' marks the debut full-length release from Edinburgh-based due Edy Forey whose neo-soul-meets-jazz fusion unveils an excellent official introduction.
There's something very endearing about 'Culture Today' that presents its music, its message and its creators as just trying to find their place in the world. While the album can sometimes offer a harsh slice of social commentary, the music's underlying message serves to celebrate the wonders of creativity and the boldness of standing out from the crowd. 'Culture Today' ultimately lives and dies on these principles and with the sincerity that message is ultimately delivered.
Plus, it's a message delivered in exquisite fashion. Through elegant performances, vibrant production and an awesome vocal, 'Culture Today' further stands as the duo's statement of intent for their imaginative perspective on music. Mixed and mastered by the revered Bob Power (responsible for all the studio machinations for D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar' amongst a litany of genre defining projects), a sensational roll call of artists are recruited for tracks including Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso and Snarky Puppy founder Michael League.
Theirs has proved to be something of a serendipitous pairing with singer-songwriter Edy Szewy having moved to Edinburgh from her native Poland and pianist Guilhem Forey similarly from Paris, the duo were able to find common ground through each of their unwavering passions for music. Ultimately coming to the table from vastly different musical backgrounds with Szewy a self-taught vocalist and producer predominately influenced by neo-soul, R&B and hip-hop, and Forey a learned and devoted jazz enthusiast; their combined efforts skilfully present a sensational sonic palette that pays due praise to each's musical affections.
Across the album's eleven tracks, we're treated to an array of styles that very much showcase the best that Szewy and Forey have to offer - as exceptionally talented individuals and as a cohesive musical unit. Tracks like 'The Fire', 'Nature Boy' and 'Take Your Time' are exemplary of the album's eclectic scope but the ambition present in the twelve-minute magnum opus 'Your Soul' certainly warrants special mention as well.
'Culture Today' marks a wonderful debut for Edy Forey and an album that will pave the way for insurmountable successes to come.
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