Proxima Ebony [Vinyl]

From the first track, ‘Introduction’ to ‘High Over Low’, Joseph Malik wants the listener to know that they are on a
musical exploration through a collection of highly original soundscapes and that Proxima Ebony is no ordinary
album. Proxima Ebony marks the end of a five year, five album output and the beginning of a new era of collaborations
with international musicians, combining talents on projects created in Edinburgh, Scotland.
‘Introduction’ opens Side A with ‘Proxima Ebony’ following as the title track of the album. This collaboration with San Francisco based
rapper and producer, Antoine Green aka Capitol A, is a true labour of love and in the process of making the track, Joseph and Antoine have
created a bold Afro Futurism anthem for our times. ‘Adjust Like Dat’ draws on many influences including Joseph’s Nigerian culture and
early 80’s Philly International rhythms, resulting in an Afro Boogie track that takes no prisoners. The international collaborations continue
as multi-talented Philadelphia based rapper and spoken word artist, Kameelah Waheed joins forces with Joseph on the duet, ‘Be A Lion’.
‘Shuya San’ sees a dedication from Joseph Malik’s music brother, Shuya Okino, from Kyoto Jazz Massive. Here, Shuya talks about their
close personal bond and musical family connection in Edinburgh, related to the listener in Japanese. Side A signs off with the Dirty Soul
meets Punk Funk monster, ‘Trouble with a Capital T’ which gives off bad boy attitude from the very first note.
Side B opens with the most personal track on the album, ‘Only Fans’ - a reflection on Joseph’s childhood. His mother worked in the sex
industry, and he saw a lot of things that he should never have seen as a child. ‘Adult Contemporary’ is one of Joseph Malik's most insightful
songs - vulnerable and inspirational in one track. On the next track, ‘My Whole World (Is Fallin’), Kameelah Waheed joins Joseph again.
Her beautifully delivered flow intertwines with Joseph’s achingly soulful vocals to create a track of great depth with an otherworldly vibe.
Joseph is joined on ‘Hollywood Africans’ by Alina Bzhezhinka, an outstanding harpist who is regarded as one of the best jazz harpists in the
World. Her dramatic score underpins Joseph’s dedication to Hattie McDaniels – the first black person to win an Oscar for her character in
‘Gone With The Wind’. This is also his acknowledgement of the painting by savant, Jean Michel Basquiat - ‘Hollywood Africans’. Proxima
Ebony draws to a close with the ethereal ‘High Over Low’ – this is how the story ends for the couple who met on the dancefloor in Madrid.
This heartbreaker showcases the guitar wizardry of Chris Franck with David Donnelly’s double bass adding resonance along with the North
Street West choir of Darren Morris and Jo Wallace adding the final spar.