Keyon Harrold Foreverland
- Contemporary Jazz |
- Jazz |
- R&B
Release Date: January 19, 2024
Label: Concord Jazz
Jazz trumpter and vocalist Keyon Harrold draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences such as Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Fela Kuti, and John Coltrane for his latest album, Foreverland.
Keyon Harrold is a world-class trumpeter and composer who has collaborated with the likes of Keith Richards, Diana Ross, Mac Miller, Nas, Erykah Badu, and Jay-Z.
The genesis of his new album, Foreverland, occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown, marked by personal and global challenges. Harrold, seeking a fresh perspective, turned to the studio during a trip to Vegas recommended by his brother and a friend. The resulting music, shaped by a less-is-more approach, reflects a minimalist style with hidden complexities. Harrold aimed to convey emotions through harmonic structures, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in each song's tonality.
With live music on hold, Harrold sculpted the largely improvised sounds into a reflective, immediate, and uplifting landscape. Foreverland is a collaborative effort with longtime friends, creating a warm and familial atmosphere. Each track features unique partnerships, such as PJ Morton on "Beautiful Day," Common and Robert Glasper on the opener "Find Your Peace," and Laura Mvula on the title track.
The album explores a range of emotions, from positivity in "Beautiful Day" to the internal tumult depicted in "Don't Lie" featuring Malaya. "Pictures," the penultimate track, serves as a sonic representation of internal recalibration following life's tests, particularly poignant considering Harrold's mother's passing.
Beyond its musical intricacies, Foreverland is a testament to resilience and empowerment. Harrold encourages confronting life's challenges head-on, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose both in his music and life. The album invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and find meaning in the highs and lows of life.