When one looks at the fun, flirty pics of the Manila-born Joyo Velarde the last thing one expects to hear on this digital-only EP is a moody, sultry siren, but Velarde voice is mahogany embers on wax. Surrounding her fluttery vibrato with polished jazzy soul grooves throughout most of her project is a sound, if occasionally too safe production decision by artist/husband Lyrics Born, whether alone or when joined by Jumbo and Asa Taccone. Not knocking Lyric Born’s evident skill on the somber cuts, but Velarde possesses a rare versatile instrument that can flourish in almost any kind of atmospheric setting, from electronica to straight ahead jazz-and kill. To not give her a chance to flex more of her range would be criminal. She demonstrates that versatility on the Bobby Digital produced "I Need You Boy" a tie-dye ska cut that couldn’t have been more different from Asa Taccone’s finger-popping, roller skate jam, "Take You Home." When Velarde’s must-have full-length Love and Understanding drops later this November, let’s hope this compelling teaser is deceptively hiding music as complex and diverse as the lovely Joyo’s underestimated appearance.
Vocals: 3 stars Lyrics: 2.5 stars Music: 2.5 stars Production: 3 stars SoulTracks Call: Highly Recommended
By: L. Michael Gipson
