I've been absorbing Joseph Malik's 'Diverse' for a few weeks now and it's
just grown on me like an old Neil Young or Terri Callier record. There's so
much to absorb here: heart wrenchingly honest lyrics, brilliant acoustic
rhythmic and atmospheric arrangements, and a distinctive soulful voice.
There's an interesting cover of Bill Wither's 'Take It All in and Check It
Out', though I prefer the more gentle songs like 'I Am Drifting' and
'Mother's Sun'.
If you have leanings toward bluesy, acoustic artists like Ben Harper or
neo-soul artists like Victor Davies, then this should grab you as an almost
instant classic.
There are times that the vocals tread into overdub and can border on the
affected but for the most part 'Diverse' is an inspiring, uplifting and
incredible recording.
For background: Joseph Malik comes out of the 90s clubs scene in Glasgow and
Edinburgh. He produced hip hop as MF Outa National and appeared on the
compilation 'Mo'Wax Headz'. He was signed to Stereo MCs label 'Response'
with fellow DJs Sace and Easi in 1994. They released a series of EPs and
albums under the 'Black Anized' moniker. After that the formed the label
Yush Records and put out a slew of releases. Then Malik turned his attention
to club promoting, forming 'The Lizard lounge' at Cafe Graffiti. Three years
of that and then Malik hooked up with a new project entitled 'Futuristica',
which is where he met Rainer Truby and recorded the song 'High Jazz' with
Truby Trio in Munich.
In Germany Malik hooked up with Michael Reinboth and was signed to Compost.
Yeah, that's from the press release. Do check out 'Diverse'.
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