Label: All Good Music
Cat No: AGM 005
Format: Vinyl, Digital & Streaming
Genre: Soul / Jazz / Balearic / Brazilian
Release Date: 27th May 2025
We are again blessed with the sights and sounds of John Beltran’s and Shane Donnelly’s Sol Set project, with the music found within set to soundtrack many a sunset meander and moonlight ponder for years to come….
Sol Set is a musical project with roots lasting back over 20 years, a space in which a number of supremely talented musicians have flocked to, with Beltran acting as the conduit for the collective’s output. Based in Detroit, Sol Set has its sights set all over, drawing influence from a number of eras, scenes and styles, with a particular affection for Brazilian funk and soul – with twists and turns thrown in along the way for good measure. The result is a body of work that expresses joy from all facets, providing sublime atmospheres and tones for listeners to loose themselves within, a captivating and absorbing sound that is carried by the highest levels of musicianship. Following the collective’s debut on ‘Earth Volume 4’ back in 2000, a long hiatus eventually bought ‘Ola de Novo’ to the fore in 2022, with a highly successful remix record following shortly after, with both records highlighting the fantastic musical chemistry and depth of ambition found within that have come to define the collective. Their universe is one of such captivating scale, an audial delicacy that can be enjoyed time and time again.
‘Love Revolution’ is the latest chapter in Sol Set’s journey, and like with previous efforts is noteworthy for its ability to display a wide range of grooves and feels, and as an expression remains memorable and indefinitely re-listenable. The overall atmosphere and stage is set on the record’s opener, ‘Through Fire’, which opens up with sounds of the seaside which then transitions into a wondrous rhythmic section and vocal display from Taylor Taylor. Proceedings heat up with the emergence of the keys, their tone effortlessly weaving within the rhythm, as the ingredients bounce alongside each other to craft a horizon reaching sound. The trumpet which shines through, courtesy of Walter White, only furthers the feels to be found. ‘War of the Hearts’ comes next, with this number being a creative reimagining of the Sade penned and performed classic. Key motifs are reflected and morphed from the original, with less of a focus on electronic instrumentation and more attention paid to guitar work. The vocal work here, once again delivered by Taylor Taylor and supported by Beltran, are something to be admired, with the interplay of melodic elements pulled off to a T.
The title track comes next, with this number inviting the listener to get up and have a little boogie. Featuring South African house artist Earl Green, the vibe here is modern day disco/modern soul, with infectious vocal work interwoven with deep set grooves and layered, multi-faceted instrumentation. As an uptempo number, the track knows when to lift things higher and when to take things a little bit slower, which results in a superb meander through the sweet afternoon sky – all the while spreading a socially conscious message. ‘Maragogi’ comes next, and this track takes things down to a sweet, Brazilian inspired saunter. Featuring Sao Paulo artist Gabriel Oliveira, hypnotic rhythmic patterns provide the foundation for inspired vocal work and melodic lines to take hold, as the listener is floated along to a waterfall overflowing with gorgeous feels and tones.
Sol Set brings musicians together within a space that works to bring out the best in all involved, celebrating music in its purest and most exciting forms, allowing expressionism to fly high and for enriching atmospheres to take hold and set precedent. This new record keeps the vibrations going on strong, with four deftly created pieces of music touching upon many audial experiences that channel deep into the human experience – music to relax to, music to dance to, music to feel to, it’s all to be found here. It’s waiting to be enjoyed, so why not find a sunny spot, and immerse yourself…..
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