Cass Clayton – Don’t Sleep Through The Revolution (2024)
Flitting from soul to blues, rock to jazz, and RnB to funk, Cass Clayton refuses to be pigeonholed. Blurring each style to create a new brand of music, yet retaining the distinctive aspects of each genre, the US-based band use intricate precision while letting it all out in every single melody. This is my introduction to the Cass Clayton band, but the female-fronted six-piece has already established itself as a force to be reckoned with earning international critical acclaim, topping charts, winning awards and building loyal followings. The latest addition to their repertoire is the album Midnight In A Bottle, so join me as I jump headfirst into the track ‘Don’t Sleep Through The Revolution’.
Taken from their fourth studio album, Midnight In A Bottle, ‘Don’t Sleep Through The Revolution’ captures the core of blues while flirting with jazz in its smooth, soul-stirring melody. Sitting between the funk-influenced ‘Take Me Home’ and soul track ‘Make Believing’, ‘Don’t Sleep Through The Revolution’ drags listeners back to the 70s jazz/blues era. For me, the single immediately reminded me of George Benson. The similarity grew with Taylor Scott’s moving guitar tapping into vintage jazz but with a flair of individuality.
Produced by Scott with mixing by Geoff Gray and Alex Stricker, and mastering by David Glasser, ‘Don’t Sleep Through The Revolution’ is a swarm of sound as each instrument twirls in a kaleidoscopic symphony. Eric Imbrosiciano’s drums shiver with a steadying blue thread, while Jiho Han’s bass makes a bold slice of shimmering yellow. Jon Wirtz’s keys add warmth and Scott’s fantastic guitar caresses your face in its skin-chilling brilliance. Let’s not forget Cass Clayton’s vocals that bind and cling to the melody with a glittering golden shimmer making the song soothing but sensationally outrageous.
One aspect of the Cass Clayton band evident throughout their repertoire is how they breathe life into old-school sounds while retaining a contemporary edginess. Many bands take this stance, but there is something unique, intriguing and inimitable to Cass Clayton and her crew. I can’t quite place my finger on it, but I am happy to listen to all their music repeatedly while trying to figure it out.
Find out more about Cass Clayton on her official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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