Kindred the Family Soul | Love Has No Recession
Album Review: Kindred the Family Soul | Love Has No Recession
By Peggy Oliver
It
seems the artistry of the urban music duo in this decade is almost
biting the dust. The passionate chemistry from Martin & Tami,
Ashford & Simpson and others from decades gone by kept our ears
riveted and our emotions hanging on every note they conveyed. But those
who really treasure what the meat of soul is all about is probably
familiar with Kindred the Family Soul, the married duo of Fatin Dantzler
and Aja Graydon whom was first introduced to the public via Jill
Scott’s Hidden Beach imprint in 2003. Their shear balance of that
sophisticated Philly sound, positive hip-hop, spoken word and R&B
are rare gems that hold up the name of love as sacred in a world where
most of today’s musical perspective of love is demeaned and artificial.
Though KTFS were active in the industry before joining forces – Dantzler
as a songwriter for Bell, Biv DeVoe and Graydon with a record deal at
age fifteen – they supplemented their income with day jobs to support
their growing family while climbing the industry ladder.
battles were brutal to get even noticed because of their intentions of
maintaining a family friendly image in their music. KTFS was a part of
the underground Philly neo-soul scene that included Scott, The Roots and
Bilal. One of their regular showcases was a Women in Music series
entitled The Black Lily, but they hustled to find other gigs whenever
possible between the day jobs while trying to establish a regular
backing band. But it was a life-changing meeting with Scott who
referred them to a thoroughly impressed executive at Hidden Beach
Recordings. After signing their first major deal, it took a while for
KTFS to transition personally and professionally; from losing and
gaining new band members to adjusting their marriage relationship and
raising a family – which now includes six children.
truly channels their experiences through their music while always
finding a way to challenge and encourage those in love that strong
values and hard work can strengthen family bonds. Though love is
certainly celebrated throughout their music, there are times when the
duo expresses their concerns about everyday life,
social-political matters and the music industry. Those themes are
evident through their Hidden Beach catalog: Surrender to Love, In This Life Together and The Arrival. Though their record label has changed, KTFS remains true to their highly integral spirit with Love Has No Recession,
where the duo spins their positive but sincere outlook on love and
hope despite a currently unstable economic climate. The instrumental
cut, “The Sheddington,” ushers in this Shenachie Entertainment release
in classy funk style that sports rock guitar punches and spacey
synthesizers. The three spoken word vignettes entitled “Above Water”
delve into how solid, sincere love must overrule the obstacles of
mounting bills and the stock market. Backed by KTFS’ gospel undertones’,
Philly underground artist Ursula Rucker and CoCo Brown lend their
various perspectives with a calm yet firm demeanor: “Wall Street don’t
mean nothing if we can’t pay attention to what’s relevant…us.” “Feast or
famine that’s the artist life, the balancing act is to stay unwavering
and committed.” Philly soul never sounded as fresh as “We All Will Know”
and “Take a Look Around” provides slamming rhythm tracks, melting
strings and smooth guitar strokes. On the aforementioned, Fatin’s
muscular tenor and Aja’s powerful soprano are joined by Raheem DeVaughn,
Bilal and aggressive scratches by BJ the Chicago Kid cover social
commentary from the economy to guns and war. “You Got Love” is a simple
party jam to break the ice for a few moments with Snoop Dogg rapping in
his usual laid-back swagger. The title track on Love Has No Recession is
highlighted by a soulfully gleeful solo by French-born jazz harmonica
sensation Frederic Yonnet
“Authentically You” raises the bar for Motown inspired material on
this infectious boogie-woogie jam accented by super-charged vocal
performances. Continuing on the up-tempo side, “Going To A Go-Go”
recalls the go-go movement made popular by Chuck Brown (who handles the
vocals and guitar solo) & The Soul Searchers and others from the
Washington DC region and whose beats have been sampled in the past by
Heavy D & The Boyz and The Roots. Last but far from least, the
current single, “Magic Happen,” leans more towards the KTFS neo-soul
trademark sound.
KTFS continues to remind the listener that the power of duos is still
alive and well. And it is encouraging to note that Fatin & Aja are
willing to fore-go compromising whatever current trends are brewing
to preach and practice this wonderful thing called love.