(January 5, 2019) For those independent artists who crank out their artistry in the studio with little media exposure, the passion that drives their unique musical voice should not necessarily be overlooked. The passion behind producer/poet/vocalist Tedi Robinson, aka Son of Pearl, has resonated for two decades since his debut, Promellowisticfunkstacation on his State of Tenacity moniker. That word tenacity is an understatement for an artist who has labored in the underground from day one of his career. Though his sound has been defined as MellowFunKism, the Miami Florida native integrates several genres into his poetic flair. In between his own poetic justice, Son of Pearl occasionally enters risky territory, reshaping the Bobby Caldwell signature hit, “What You Won’t Do For Love.”
Assisted by longtime production partner Flight Boy, Son of Pearl’s soundtracks blend edgy beats with some old school sensibility. For our latest First Listen, we feature a single from his current EP release, Songs Inspired by Beale Street (based on inspirations of James Baldwin’s novel, If Beale Street Could Talk), entitled “Trust Love All The Way.” This MellowFunKism moment digs into how love transforms into spiritual strength: “If you trust love all the way/You can’t go wrong/If you trust love all the way/It will bring you home.”
For the most part, “Trust Love All The Way” scores highly with D. Trent Kelly’s tasty jazz guitar framing Son of Pearl’s uplifting lyrics, despite the auto tuned backing vocals. Check it out.
By Peggy Oliver
Son of Pearl – “Trust Love All the Way”