Soul music is a genre that’s been around for so long yet somehow still manages to find it’s way into modern music time and time again. For a good number of artists these days the genre is viewed as more of a throwback to a bygone era or as carefully crafted nostalgia. For some artists though, soul is being reframed in a modern perspective that’s fresh, relevant and accessible. Singer-songwriter Quincy Mumford on his latest EP Every Wednesday consolidates his funk, R&B and neo-soul influences to deliver a smooth, stylish and vibrant body of work. These 5 songs are dynamic and organic and encompass an array of styles with confidence and flair.
The core of this EP is celebrating the every-day and getting by and it’s positive perspective is well-defined on tracks such as “Thank You” a warm and sweetly soulful number dedicated to womanhood and “The Great Escape” is a lush neo-soul number about finding love amid personal struggles. The songwriting here is honest and compassionate and also full of rich hooks and melodies and Mumford’s laid-back presence allows for these songs to feel open and engaging. Production-wise the EP creates a layered sound that combines element of retro funk and old-school hip-hop and integrates aspects of gospel and blues as well. What’s striking about the production is how fresh and distinct it feels despite it’s influences and each song feels fully formed and sonically diverse. The synthesis of sonic elements and influences is most clearly reflected on stand-out “I Gotta Feeling” which channels 90’s hip-hop and gospel to create a unique and immersive listening experience.
In terms of progression, Mumford has been steadily releasing music for quite some time now and these latest songs feel like some of his most focused, well-rounded and personal so far. The material here feels like it’s stemmed from a more intimate perspective and the themes it addresses feel more resonant and vital. There’s also a stronger sense of emotion here on tracks like “Ain’t It Sweet” a groovy upbeat number celebrating new-found love feels like a breath of air and it’s sweetness feels genuinely earned. Vocally Mumford is in fine form and his performances are vulnerable, down to earth yet still contain the right amount of swagger and charisma. This approach is utilized to great effect on stand-outs “I got a Feeling” and “Show Me” which immediately emerge as some of the more engaging tracks on the EP.
Overall Every Wednesday is a satisfying showcase of Mumford’s growing talents and a promising glimpse of his upcoming musical direction. It’s an accessible, mature and deeply felt recording that channels it’s soul influences into something modern and insightful. Whether you’re old-school or new school Mumford delivers more than enough to win over both here. Hump day is starting to sound a lot smoother.
Songs to Spin: “I got a Feeling” “Show Me”, “Thank You”, “The Great Escape”
Jukebox Journalist 