M-Swift - Evening Sun (2009)

M-Swift, aka Shouhei Matsushita is the talented instrumentalist and producer who hails from Hiroshima, Japan but has lived in London and has been wide open to musical influences from around the world. As a fan of soul and jazz from a young age he has absorbed all the best elements of classic and contemporary black music and forged a singular identity that enables him to stand out in a musical landscape of sound a likes and copyists.

M-Swifts soulful, funky house and jazz inflected RnB combined with the spectacular talents of renowned vocalists such as Eric Roberson, Tony Momrelle, Joy Rose, Donna Gardier and Vanessa Haynes, and some of the worlds greatest musicians such as guitar maestro Tony Remy, and vibraphonist Roger Beaujolais whose combined talents makes for an up tempo, feel good record.

This 14 track collection kicks off in mighty style with ‘Brighter Days’, a top notch performance from Tony Momrelle, who has worked with Incognito and counts a certain Stevie Wonder as a fan and once you have wrapped your ears around his tonsils you will understand why!

‘Feeling’ is the musical vehicle that allows Eric Roberson to display his massive talent, as a live performer few work harder and as a song writer Eric has had the pleasure of Dwele, Musiq, Vivian Green and Will Downing record his compositions. On this amazing track (already released on a Freestyle 12 FSR069) lit is easy to see what led Jill Scott to pronounce "He is a brilliant singer with a voice like red velvet cake".

‘Set You Free’ with Donna Gardier has a loping, modern funky feel and a killer vocal hook that glides over orchestral strings, a truly beautiful song that will not date to it’s classic timeless quality.

With ‘Evening Sun’ Shouhei Matsushita has forged together all the best influences and textures making this album quality contemporary soul for real music lovers.