CD Review

Artist: Nate James
Title: Set The Tone
Label: Deja Musique
Released: March 18th 2008

Marking his first official release in Canada, Nate James’ fabulous album Set the Tone proves to be a stable stepping stone towards his quest for mainstream glory. As I listen to his set, I can’t help but wonder why I have not heard these soulful tunes burning up the radio charts. Each song sounds classy, glamorous and fun; just what is needed in the often dreary genre of adult contemporary. However this disc is not all contemporary, it has great hip hop beats and funky hooks that play homage to a time when Wild Cherry ruled the charts with ‘Play That Funky Music’ in 1976.

As the songs progress, it seems as if James refuses to set one tone, but rather an ever changing array of contrasting moods and emotions. From the fresh dance infused opener ‘Said I Show You’ to the slowly syncopated ‘Pretend’, all of his tracks can stand on their own as distinct songs. The only thing that ties them together is their continual out pour of solid vocals and genuine soul. A lot of the songs also incorporate jazz instruments that add a rich flavour to all of his catchy riffs. Even my favourite, the piano, is used on the track ‘Get This Right’. There is nothing more appealing than a simple catchy song with big piano octaves to send the right message. Besides the relationships James owes so much credit to for giving him the material to sing about on this album, he’s certainly in a position to thank the masterminds who invented the saxophone; I’ve never heard a reed sound so good!

Set The Tone is an album of many talents. It can be used to get hips shakin’ on the dance floor or used as engaging background music at your next function. Not to suggest Nate James’ talents should be enjoyed on a sub conscious level, but that his sound has the capacity to vibe so well with our daily flow of life. His songs are undoubtedly an uplifting edge to our often monotonous routines. The tone has been set, and I am confident that Canada will be hearing the right pitch.

Track listing:
1. Said I'd Show You
2. The Message
3. Get This Right
4. Pretend
5. Universal
6. Set The Tone
7. Funky Love
8. Justify Me
9. I Don’t Wanna Fight
10. I’ll Decline
11. Impossible
12. Choke
13. Shake Out
14. Funk Defining
15. Poisoned Times