Adriana Evans is Nomadic
A tasty journey through musical territoriesby j. brotherlove
Adriana Evans
Nomadic
Next Thing (2004)
Grade: B
After a seven-year absence from the musical radar, singer-songwriter Adriana Evans returns with her long-awaited, sophomore set; aptly titled Nomadic. While her debut introduced an accomplished singer with a beautiful voice and an old soul, Nomadic attempts to fuse different musical styles with interesting results.
As with her debut (scheduled to be released), Adriana collaborates with Jonathan “Dred” Scott to create a gumbo brimming over with Latin, soul, rock and jazz ingredients. Adriana sums up the project perfectly on the CD’s brief intro, “Walking To The Sun”, when she confesses “I listen to everything… I’m good to do an Afro/Latin/Rock song… It’s all the same thing to me… It’s all music.” She then launches into “Remember Love”, one of the CD’s highlights. “Remember Love” is Latin-tinged with soul and hip hop elements.
“Cold As Ice” depicts how the hard game of love turns one woman bitter and vindictive. It’s a repetitious tune that haunts the brain long after the CD has stopped spinning. Successful tracks include “I Hear Music”, “7 Days” (a rocker with Evans alternating between growling and belting) and pop/folk “In Search Of”.
“Something” is the type of song that shines on movie soundtracks and hits big for white artists, establishing them as funky, pop stars. In the hands of black artists, these songs are usually destined for the cut-out bin due to a lack of imagination on the part of radio (and audiences). “Something” is a standout deserving of airplay.
Conversely, “Midnight In Bahia” is best tailored to smoky, chill-out parlors and barbecues. Adriana repeats a single lyric (ala Joi’s classic “Sunshine And The Rain”) over a slithering, bass-heavy groove. This uncomplicated and intoxicating technique was used by Mica Paris on her underground classic “Black Pearl” CD.
All tracks on Nomadic aren’t complete successes, however. The pseudo-psychedelic/reggae-infused “I Had A Dream” is getting buzz but ironically, is one of my least favorite songs. And while “Morning Light” effectively showcases her pristine voice over classic, light piano, it breaks up the complicated style of the rest of the CD. It would serve better as the closing song instead of the folksy “Rollin’ On” and “Former Self”. Neither of these song manage to leave a lasting impression.
Overall, Adriana is in top form, tastily intertwining her signature sound with genres to create an expansive soundscape. In an industry where artists typically shine in one area, Adriana possesses the beauty, vocal acuity and musical depth to easily cast doubt on the talents of prominent pop (and neo-soul) acts.
Complementary
Cree Summer, Mica Paris, N’dea Davenport, Pru.
You know, I was listening to Something and thought it was really cool and was something she should have released first. Between that and I Hear Music, I didn’t regret purchasing the CD.
Still didn’t hit me as hard as the debut did, but an interesting CD nonetheless.
Wow! I didn’t know she was back! I need this CD. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the ping. Good job on the review. I’m slippin’, I still haven’t made it over to Moods to pick up the CD.
I’m buying it as soon as it becomes available here in Richmond, VA. Waited 7 years for this, and ain’t lookin for her to top the last one… empty my cup and let her fill it with her lastest brew. Gawd, my mouth is wet.
I never heard of her until I heard the song “7 Days” on XM radio. This sister is hot. I’ve been looking for her jams ever since. I can’t wait for the new CD to become available. She will be a household name in a year!