Stage [2]

by Sweetback

Overview

Eight years after their debut release, Sweetback return with the mellow follow-up Stage [2]. The group -- guitarist/saxophonist Stuart Matthewman, keyboardist Andrew Hale, and bassist Paul Denman (R&B diva Sade's backing band) -- has crafted a laid-back album of retro-soul, contemporary R&B, melodic pop, and mildly experimental electronica. This time around, vocalists Chocolate Genius and Aya take over the lead singer duties from Sweetback's previous collaborators, Maxwell and Amel Larrieux. While the first album seemed like a hip furthering of the work the band did with Sade, Stage [2] feels even more like a side project -- heavy on the electro atmosphere -- with songs so minor and slight that they barely register. In that sense, those Sade fans hoping for more of the same accessible, jazzy, and sophisticated songs she is known for may or may not like this. There are some nice tracks, though, especially the Aya ones such as the atmospheric ballad "Lover," which would have fit nicely on Love Deluxe. Similarly engaging is the melancholy indie pop-sounding "Things You'll Never Know," which brings to mind the best Ivy. On the other hand, Chocolate Genius's woozy psychedelic vibe isn't as charming as Maxwell's dreamy croon, although the darkly acoustic "Jesus Girl" does sound a bit like Terry Callier produced by Jermaine Dupri. While the album isn't fully engaging, fans of quirky R&B looking for a mellow listen may find Sweetback a minor delight. ~ Matt Collar

Product Details

Release Date:	06/22/2004
Label:	Epic
UPC:	0074646993828
Rank:	62744

Tracks

1. Voodoo Breath (Master's Love)
2. Lover
3. Circles
4. All My Days With You
5. Mountain
6. Things You'll Never Know
7. Blue Heights
8. Love Is the Word
9. Jesus Girl
10. Circus Waltz
11. Round and Round
12. Sing to Be Safe
13. Shining Hour

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sweetback   Primary Artist
Joe Dexter Denman   Guitar (Bass),Bass
Byron Stingily   Guest Artist,Vocals
Paul S. Denman   Guitar (Bass),Bass
Andrew Hale   Piano,Keyboards
Chocolate Genius   Guest Artist,Vocals
Aya   Vocals,Guest Artist
Ivana Santilli   Vocals,Trumpet
Ladybug Mecca   Vocals
Don McKenzie   Drums
Stuart Matthewman   Guitar,Keyboards,Saxophone
Bob Brockman   Trumpet
Bob Mathes   Conductor
Bruce Smith   Drums

Technical Credits

Stuart Matthewman   Audio Engineer,Engineer,Programming,Group Member
Sweetback   Audio Production,Producer
Mike Weitman   Engineer,Assistant
Steve Fontaine   Assistant
Andrew Hale   Programming,Group Member,Engineer
Mat   Design,Photography,Montage
Don Thompson   Composer
Musze   Composer
Tom Coyne   Mastering
Bob Brockman   Mixing
Paul S. Denman   Group Member
Bob Mathes   String Arrangements
Mike Polish   Video Director