The Plug’n Play: February (‘21)
February 28, 2021
Below are some of our favorite songs from the month, and a bit about why we love them. The first 12 songs were selected by Kevin and the last 19 songs were selected by me, Stanley. We hope you find a song you like, and check out the entire album!
Stanley: Dixson — Heaven With You
In 2018, following the release of his debut album, YOUNG, I got the chance to talk with Dixson about his new album, his upbringing in Atlanta, spirituality, influences, and more. From that conversation it became evident to me that Dixson was an incredibly talented artist that committed to every area of the creative process: songwriting, production, instrumental and vocal arrangement; that he was steeped in Black musical traditions, and concerned with developing his craft(s).
Dixson’s new EP, Darling, is a beautifully crafted body of music, seeing the artist take risks, trying different production styles and forms. In particular, on Heaven With You, Dixson offers the best of dance music, reminiscent of particular brand of 80s R&B, employing his falsetto, synth keyboards, and a perfectly placed acoustic guitar.
Stanley: R+R=NOW — Perspectives/Postpartum
For R+R=NOW, the 6-piece collective featuring Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Derrick Hodge, Taylor McFerrin and Justin Tyson, live performance is where they thrive; improvising, feeding off of each other in real time. In August of 2019, I got the chance to see R+R=NOW in concert at The Hollywood Bowl. It was everything I expected and more, but what was more impressive to me was that they really, truly listened to each other, responding accordingly.
Earlier this month, the collective released their live album, recorded at The Blue Note in 2018 during Robert Glasper’s monthlong residency. In particular, Perspectives/Postpartum captures the spirit and essence of the group, quite literally reflecting and responding in real time.
Stanley: T. Nava — Buddy (Featuring Rae Khalil, Black Nile, The Free Nationals, and Chris Dave and The Drumhedz)
For the past few years, T. Nava has been serving as the keyboardist in Anderson .Paak’s supporting band, The Free Nationals. When the Free Nationals released their debut self-titled album in 2019, it allowed us to see a little more of the band’s sound, independent of Anderson .Paak. Now, with the release of Buddy, we’re able to go a step further take a look inside of the mind of the T. Nava. Buddy also features a gang of LA’s best: from Rae Khalil and Jairus Mozee, to the Free Nationals and Black Nile.
