Georgia Anne Muldrow once told MV Remix magazine: "Creativity all depends on how I feel." After listening to Early, I would say Muldrow was born to be a free creative spirit. The twenty-two year old singer/songwriter/musician never spares her feelings, no matter what she sings about. Muldrow’s mix of free jazz, hip-hop, soul and stimulating lyrics inspired by her ancestors have propelled her to a critically acclaimed career within a short period of time. Recorded at age seventeen, Early takes a slightly mainstream approach compared to her later work with Stones Throw and other progressive independent labels.
There are several moments on Early that focus on Muldrow’s creative strengths and mature level of musicality. She showcases her jazz and blues chops on "Gears (Sing It Again)" and "Child of the Sun." Her lyrical proficiency also shines on the faith-filled "Never A Day In Vein" and "Run Away," about the eternal optimism of loving one’s self. Unfortunately, Early has a few bumps, including the occasionally grating drum machine and some stuck-in-a-rut neo-soul grooves that strip Muldrow of her creative juices. Still, Early provides glimpses of Muldrow’s artistic beauty and a spirit that knows no boundaries.
Vocals: 2.5 stars
Music: 2.0 stars
Lyrics: 3.5 stars
Production: 2.0 stars
SoulTracks Call: Moderately Recommended
By Peggy Oliver
