It’s not unreasonable to contemplate Cautious Clay’s new report ‘Karpeh’ as a radical reintroduction. Two years following the discharge of his debut single ‘Chilly Conflict’ in 2017, he achieved mainstream success when Taylor Swift interpolated the track on ‘Lover’‘s goofy hit ‘London Boy’. Beforehand, he’d gained a fan in Billie Eilish following his remix of her breakout hit ‘Ocean Eyes’. Clay’s debut album, 2021’s R&B and pop-heavy ‘Deadpan Love’ would show a satisfying, if reserved, first step for the performer. Talking to NME on the time, he mentioned he had “no thought but” how snug he can be sharing private moments in his music, his path as a songwriter considerably unsure.
This follow-up, which takes on Clay’s – born Joshua Karpeh – household identify as its title, has supplied a powerful reply to that proposition. The success of ‘Karpeh’ comes from Clay delving into roots and the backstory of his household’s lineage: the album’s three components, ‘The Previous Defined’, ‘The Honeymoon of Exploration’ and ‘A Bitter & Candy Solitude’, unfurl like a multi-generational novel. These tales, nevertheless, are resolutely actual and don’t duck a punch, not like his namesake’s rope-a-dope within the ring.
The signing to Blue Notice for ‘Karpeh’ feels important, too. The enduring jazz label is the sort that wants no introduction, its affect on the style instantly recognisable having launched seminal data by Miles Davis and John Coltrane amongst many, many others. The connection inspired Clay to additional embrace his abilities as a multi-instrumentalist on vocals, flute, saxophone and extra. Right here, he’s joined by shining lights of the jazz world like acclaimed guitarist and labelmate Julian Lage and Pakistani vocalist Arooj Aftab.
‘Karpeh’ is an immensely realised and wealthy embodiment of his jazz influences, one thing that had felt sorely absent from his debut. ‘Ohio’ mines his childhood in Cleveland for inspiration, atop the form of saucy bassline Thundercat can be envious of; ‘The Tide Is My Witness’ is meticulously organized, an outstanding fusion of dexterous enjoying and his mild pop melodies.
The through-line in his songwriting – centred on his household’s journey and historical past – that proves most arresting and memorable. On ‘Karpehs Don’t Flinch’, a stuttering sax solo is bookended by voice notes discussing Clay’s grandfather and the prejudices he confronted in direction of his African heritage. Within the remaining chapter’s ‘Unfinished Home’, Clay nods to the tribulations of his paternal grandfather’s relationship along with his marriage, kids and the development initiatives he left to flounder. These moments, struggles and joys give ‘Karpeh’ its efficiency.
Most pleasingly, it’s a venture the place the whole lot has been allowed to evolve and align correctly: Clay’s willingness as a songwriter to go to a spot the place he was as soon as unsure, and his braveness to compose and lead along with his most genuine enjoying but. It is a spectacular achievement.
Particulars
- Launch date: August 18, 2023
- File label: Blue Notice
