(February 13, 2018) When a musician channels highly influential, like-minded players, the sky is the limit as to what he or she can do. Elliott Macauley’s go to musicians, such as jazz funk giant Marcus Miller, fellow countrymen jazz/soul ensemble Incognito and one of the greatest vocal interpreters in recent memory, Al Jarreau, fuel his super groove-filled canvasses. And Macauley’s effortless magnetizing grooves have produced jams like ”Trippin’ My Fuse” with its reggae overtones, the spoken word collages that accompany “Imagine” and the Latin kick of “Playa’”.
Since his entertaining debut solo release in 2014’s Retro, Macauley has managed to find voices that match his sturdy musical illustrations. Karen Ramirez is the latest to join the U.K. multi-instrumentalist/producer for the Incognito enhanced, “Give Me A Sign.” Besides Macauley’s bass and drumming contributions, former Maze keyboardist Philip Woo and veteran guitarist Tony Remy (Craig David, The Crusaders) provide the backdrop in a mellow, yet matter-of-fact storytelling by Ramirez of a woman seeking a deeper romantic commitment level. Lend your ears to “Give Me A Sign” and witness how Macauley handles his grooves with plenty of melodic substance.
By Peggy Oliver
Elliott Macauley feat. Karen Ramirez
“Give Me A Sign”
