While some artists never release six projects in their entire career, Terrace Martin promised fans that he would drop that amount by the end of 2023 as part of his new partnership between BMG and his Sounds Of Crenshaw imprint. Though that would be a tall order for most, the multi-hyphenate is making it look easy with the release of Nova, the third album he’s dropped since June.
Serving as a joint release between he and frequent collaborator James Fauntleroy, the six-track jaunt melds Martin’s classic jazz sensibilities with Fauntleroy’s legendary pen. Although Fine Tune and Curly, the series’ first two installments, were bursting at the seams with star-studded guest spots, most of the heavy lifting on Nova is handled by Martin and Fauntleroy. The only other featured acts are Robert Glasper and Chief Adjuah (the artist formerly known as Christian Scott).
After announcing the joint project last week, the two have promoted the release on social media with a series of ads designed by Fauntleroy. The imaginary products and their descriptions taunted fans with the idea of luxury, longing and fulfillment, a theme which is carried throughout each song through the lens of a relationship’s highs and lows. Things kick off with “Online Shopping,” a sunny ode to finding joy and anything you want with just a click of a button.
That joy hits a speed bump on “Witchcraft,” a tropical-infused number featuring Glasper’s silky keys. Fauntleroy paints a picture of miscommunication as he and his better half ride the relationship roller coaster. The bumpy ride continues on “Butterfly Effect,” a hauntingly beautiful track that finds Fauntleroy wondering how to make things right again.
Chief Adjuah turns up on the punchy “Like It Like That,” where Fauntleroy is making peace with what he wants and how to make it work. The midtempo track is at once optimistic and resolute as he continues inching closer to the happiness he is seeking. Things slow down on the seductive “Chocolate For Dinner.” The sexy song features Chief Adjuah once again, whose trumpet adds to the steaminess of Fauntleroy’s innuendo-laden lyrics. The album’s only instrumental, “Sir Fauntleroy,” is a playful tune that brings the journey to a close.
The duo packs a wallop of a punch over the course of Nova’s 22-minute ride. The result is a sweeping, rich journey through the musical stratosphere that leaves listeners longing for more from these two. With three more releases before Martin’s series concludes, we can only imagine what other sounds he has on the way.
Terrace Martin & James Fauntleroy Nova [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
