| Jazz, Smooth Jazz |
Sometimes, fate plays its part well. Despite being overwhelmed with album releases, I had been advised to watch some videos of this musician for quite some time. I watched a few, thinking to myself that I should contact him someday. Then, out of the blue, I receive a message from the musician, and we chat for a while. I ask him kindly to send me his album, and within seconds, it’s in my hands.
Nominated by the Hollywood Independent Music Award, it proves that I wasn’t mistaken about the quality of this English artist, whose music lies precisely between jazz and smooth jazz. It’s a music filled with tenderness and infinite poetry, and the album’s title, “Time For Love,” is perfectly fitting.
If you’re a fan of artists like George Benson, you’ll find similarities, but Edison Herbert’s distinct style makes him a unique artist, with arrangements and compositions that differ from those of his elder counterpart.
The guitar has been a passion that has shaped this musician’s life since the age of 12. He started as a self-taught guitarist and then continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. During this time, he also played with Randy Brecker at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. Listening to this album, it’s easy to understand why such an artist would want to collaborate with him.
On “Time For Love,” we discover a modern crooner, Richard McKoy, who sings in a way that is just as captivating as Edison’s playing, particularly on the track “Is She Is She Not.” The entire album is a delicately elegant collection of 10 songs that guarantee a beautiful jazz performance, surrounded by excellent musicians. It almost makes you forget that this artist is British, as the album has the sound of most West Coast USA productions.
The album was released in 2021, and I can’t even imagine how great the next one will be, given the quality of this one. Undoubtedly, it will be another little wonder, and I hope to hear more of Edison Herbert’s voice on it. “Time For Love” is his third album, and in addition to being a musician, Edison also teaches guitar. You can find all the information on his website, which is provided at the end of this article.
Both Bayou Blue Radio and Paris-Move publications have labeled this album as “Essential.” Now, it’s up to you to savor this little wonder, if you haven’t already done so.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, July 29th 2023
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