Label boss of the UK soul hot house Albert’s Favourites (and previously Wah Wah 45s), go to producer and creator of one of 2021’s year’s best nu-beat albums ‘Nothing Feels Like Everything’, Adam Scrimshire is on an inspirational roll that shows no sign of losing momentum. Here is an artist who thrives on activity, a musician who can be in several places but never lose focus or compromise on quality.
Now the pace looks set to shift up another gear with the announcement of his new album ‘Paroxysm’ due on 26th May via his own Albert’s Favourites. Whereas ‘Nothing Feels Like Everything’ shimmered with subtle positivity, lush orchestrations and sultry funk, true to its title ‘Paroxysm’ intends to pull no punches.
Written during October last year the new album’s songs are energised by a different kind of tension, Scrimshire’s response to a divisive Tory government whose policies crushed and criminalised. Drawing from his faithful group of collaborators, Faye Houston, Idris Rahman, Tamar Osborn and Nat Birchall, it’s a record that looks determined to build from Scrimshire’s fertile soul jazz landscapes and leave a starker emotional imprint.
The first preview track ‘Unity Gain’ swooped around a piano vamping Jaga Jazzist swirl and synth crescendo to make the point. In contrast the album’s second taster ‘Unforgotten, Unforgiven’ hits hard through a yearning beauty, Nat Birchall’s evocative sax singing over the lapping currents of piano and synth. A damning blues aimed at the callous political response to the plight of refugees, here’s a tune that pulls you up.
‘Paroxysm’ looks set to have a similar impact, a musical outburst with a profound purpose.
Pre-order your copy of ‘Paroxysm’ by Scrimshire from Albert’s Favourites Bandcamp page HERE
