Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle - Retro Future (2012)

Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle's album "Retro Future" is so sweet, you might gain weight just from listening to it. Fischer quite proficiently combines jazz-funk, electro, hip-hop, psychedelic soul, various African influences, and classical, romantic and impressionistic music to produce a sound that is stimulating and colorful. The rising young keyboardist, composer, and producer creatively blends past and future, hence the name "Retro Future" to create a debut album on the ObliqSound label that is impressive to say the least.

"I love the music of the late 60's and early 70's, but the fact of the matter is that I was born in 1980 and have been influenced by so much music and culture of the past three decades, "explains Fischer. "I wanted to make a record that goes beyond paying homage to the styles of the past, and create something new that resonates with where we are today as a society - we're still organic beings, but increasingly living in an electronic world - and at the same time, give you an intimate view of what I'm going through in my life."

The 10 track CD begins with "Tanqueray & Tonic", a jazz and funk fusion with nice horns and percussion that back up Fischer in supreme style. A sweet sax solo complements the tune quite nicely, and listeners will have a hard time staying still when this track is still. It was quite obviously designed to make you move, and I must say, Fischer gets an A+ for both effort and effect on this one.

Fischer's version of the classic 5th Dimension song "Aquarius", featuring Rachel Eckroth, is jazzier than the original, utilizing vocal echoes and other unconventional elements for a unique sound with nice textures. The artists on guitar, bass, flute, and piano all show their musical muscle here. "Digital Savanna" has many textures and layers to it, for a beautiful and complex sound. "Cyberphunk" has more of an electronic and futuristic sound, with a funky bass line and strong horns and an excellent piano solo performance. I would be remiss if I didn't mention "Electric Ladyland", featuring Chris Turner on vocals that bring Prince to mind. It has a gospel, R&B, funk feel to it, with background vocals and a mean guitar. If this is what the future sounds like, I can't wait to get there!

"Gotham Underground" is another superb track that keeps the mood rolling right on. It's a danceable cut that music lovers of any genre can enjoy. Actually, that's true of the entire album. Fischer, who has performed with Stevie Wonder, Freddie Jackson, Black Moon, Laura Izibor, Ryan Shaw, and Lakecia Benjamin, has added another feather to his cap with this album. It is a compelling and riveting listen, and one that I highly recommend. ~ Michele Wilson-Morris