Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere

Nate Smith's first full album since his 2008 debut Workday, Waterbury Music, Vol. 1.0 and his first as bandleader, Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere was described by Smith as "certainly the biggest project I've ever done," involving the core band Kinfolk as well as a rotating cast of featured musicians. Regarding the decision to release his debut album as bandleader at age 42, Smith said, "It was time to see what I could say if I really went all in and committed to making a record that sounded like all of my influences." Smith cited several inspirations for particular tracks on the album, including Earth, Wind & Fire for the track "Skip Step", Miles Davis's Tutu for the track "Bounce, Pts. I + II", and the killing of Trayvon Martin for the track "Disenchantment: The Weight". The album also features themes of youth and family, including several snippets of interviews Smith conducted with his parents. In November 2017, Smith alongside Kinfolk performed three tracks from the album in a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR Music. == Critical reception ==

Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere was met with positive reviews. Tom Moon of NPR Music called the album "a study in nomadic jazz" that "emphasizes catchy, singable melodies and spring-loaded backbeats". Giovanni Russonello of The New York Times wrote of the album's grooves: "all sorts of sounds participate in building the rhythm: taut but resonant bass notes, clipped guitar playing, zagging saxophone lines. The result is a sound that's tart, bittersweet and almost nostalgic." Peter Margasak of Chicago Reader commended Smith's command as a bandleader, also writing that the album demonstrates "a sleek strain of R&B and funk that showcases his improvisational elasticity." Will Layman of PopMatters described the album as "Glasper-esque... in the best way," noting its fusion of jazz and contemporary soul music, remarking, "It is one of those 'jazz' records that probably wouldn't have been possible until recently — a collection that has plenty of authentic, harmonically complex improvising but also uses soul grooves and vocals to forge a connection back to pop music." == Track listing ==

Adapted from Bandcamp. Kinfolk • Nate Smith – drums, percussion, Rhodes piano, synthesizer • Kris Bowers – piano, Rhodes piano • Fima Ephron – electric bass • Jeremy Most – guitar • Jaleel Shaw – alto and soprano saxophone Featured musicians • Dave Holland – acoustic bass • Lionel Loueke – guitar • Michael Mayo – vocals, vocal percussion • Chris Potter – tenor saxophone • Amma Whatt – vocals • Gretchen Parlato – vocals • Adam Rogers – guitar Strings • Stephanie Matthews – violin • Juliette Jones – violin • Christiana Liberis – viola • Reenat Pinchas – cello == References ==