Wicked Wax scales up with their Daniel Crawford release

Oct 26, 2018 | by Maurice Dharampal | Music

About the author

I’ve been a music hoarder all my life and it was I who coined the phrase: ‘Every genre has something to offer’ (patent pending). My main infatuations are House, Disco, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop and every subgenre in between. As long as the tunes spark up a euphoric feeling. Writing about Music expresses my passion for the art.

Local record label Wicked Wax is unearthing and putting out eclectic sounds from local artists. But with its upcoming release the imprint is expanding across the borders. The fourth (vinyl) release features the Los Angeles born and bred pianist Daniel Crawford. With the same diversity as other Wicked Wax releases, Crawford’s Revolution jazz-infused soul album looks to take the listener on a journey that from ranges from Afrobeat, Fusion, R&B and Hip Hop. A true milestone for the young label!

While Crawford’s name might not ring a bell to all, surely you’ve heard the piano virtuoso’s skills alongside artists like Raphael Saadiq, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J Blige, Warren G, Jhene Aiko, Omarion, Evelyn “Champagne” King, The Brothers Johnson and many more! This last installment of Crawford’s trilogy features the likes of DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dayne Jordan, Maimouna Youssef, Kaidi Tatham and Osunlade. Needless to say, it’s got the soulfulness written all over.

The revolution will be musicalized

Some years ago, poet and legendary musician Gil Scott-Heron exclaimed: “The revolution will not be televised”. Daniel Crawford didn’t title his album Revolution without reason. It tackles subjects like police brutality, despair, coping with a loss, love and more, making the album both a pleasure for the ears as mind stimulating. This is often emulated through lyrics, but Crawford takes on a jazz approach and let’s the harmonies and his solos do the talking. The track Silence Is Compliance serves as a great example.

<a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/danielcrawford.bandcamp.com/album/revolution');" href="http://danielcrawford.bandcamp.com/album/revolution">Revolution by Daniel Crawford</a>

As a producer and musician he aims to bring good vibes, positive and healing music. Something he feels is missing from the majority of popular music today. Daniel wants to evoke the sprits of his many musical influences and get back to what he believes music should be and that’s music with meaning, a message and overall, music that makes you feel good.” This sentiment and approach towards music shows striking resemblances to Wicked Wax’ vision on music, making it a undeniable perfect match.

We especially recommend the following tracks: Kumiko, Sirens, Revolution & 13. You can listen to and buy the record both digitally & on vinyl here.