Stevie Wonder makes a cameo on harmonica on the opener, “Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You).” Multi-instrumentalist and album producer Marcus Miller delivers on bass, keys, tenor sax, bass clarinet, acoustic guitar-basically everything but the kitchen sink. Mixed in with the lyrical selections are instrumentals, most strikingly the serene “Peace in Shelter.” As usual, Butler surrounds himself with a coterie of talented and versatile musicians who articulate his vision seamlessly. So although Ubuntu is not a gospel album per se, not in the traditional sense, anyway, messages of hope and inspiration pervade the project. Indeed, the overall theme of Ubuntu-a Nguni Bantu term meaning humanity-is the unity of humanity and the ability of love to overcome hatred and oppression. An acoustic bonus track, “Our Voices Matter,” speaks directly to the need for putting love into action. Martin Luther King Jr., President Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, it is a modern-day civil rights anthem with the zeal of “What’s Going On” and “A Change is Gonna Come.” Love is the answer in this song, and since love is in every one of us, every one of us is capable of contributing to the change we want to see in the world. The highlight of the album, and indeed of the spring season, is Butler’s duet with blues singer Keb’ Mo, “When Love Comes In.” Drawing on the nonviolent resistance philosophy of the Reverend Dr. It’s the South African musician’s finest album to date. What makes Ubuntu outstanding is that it doesn’t just feature Jonathan Butler, smooth jazz artist, but Jonathan Butler, smooth jazz artist who has returned to his roots and applied his craft to an expression of African sentiments, sounds, and rhythms. Vocals this great are really rare.Mack Avenue Music Group / Artistry Music (release date: April 28, 2023) By Robert M. I walked into the studio and introduced it live on air. Lori Lewis, program director for WSMJ in Baltimore states, "It literally gave me a lump in my throat. "Fire and Rain" is already garnering accolades from top radio programmers. The musical arrangement is lively and soulful, indicative of his roots in World music. Vocals this great are really rare."įor example, the first single from Jonathan is a rendition of the folk-rock classic "Fire and Rain." Butler breathes new life into this classic, infusing the vocals with intensity, as subtle as it is powerful. Jonathan's ability to blend his roots in African music with western pop sensibilities would be a trademark of many albums to follow, though never more refined than in his latest release.įor example, the first single from Jonathan is a rendition of the folk-rock classic "Fire and Rain." Butler breathes new life into this classic, infusing the vocals with intensity, as subtle as it is powerful. His commitment to his craft paid off with his self-titled debut album, which received a Grammy nomination for the pop hit "Lies." Because Jive was headquartered in England, Jonathan decided to move there to focus on his recording career. Jonathan's first single broke down racial barriers, becoming the first song by a black artist to be played by white radio stations in South Africa. He was signed to Caulder's Jive Records and as the old cliche goes, the rest is history. Jonathan is the product of the Western World.Īt thirteen, Jonathan's talents caught the ears and eyes of British record producer Clive Caulder.
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