JOURNEYintoSOUL.net

Ian Martin’s life has taken many musical directions; so, it’s almost symbolic that his latest album is entitled, The Way. His proverbial way is paved with a strong church upbringing in Toronto and a film scoring degree from Berklee College of Music. Ian Martin is an accomplished bass guitarist/composer/songwriter/producer who has commissioned a dynamic group of musicians and vocalists to join him on this amazing project.

Martin’s style is undoubtedly soulful with an array of tracks that glide from aggressive funk tunes to heart-felt love ballads. Your head will nod involuntarily to the beat and wah guitar of Le Chemin; the male and female vocals bounce effortlessly against the track that counteracts the hard funk with a classic Fender Rhodes piano. Knockdown Side puts you in the mood of the 80s group, Loose Ends, with its driving rhythm and clever vocal delivery of life encouragement.

Burn an incense stick and light a few candles while listening to the ballad, So in Love. Martin’s acoustic bass engages in a sexy, melodic dance with the female vocalist and soft string ensemble. While this song embodies all that is neo-soul, tracks like Release and Movin’ On lean towards your garden variety R&B and hip-hop. The up-tempo It’s Your Night seemed a bit overproduced and the Raphael Sadiqq-ish vocals did not ring as true as the other selections.

You Are, featuring the voice of Jill Zadeh, is sexy enough to warrant buying the entire album. The bass and lead guitar fight diligently for the attention of Jill’s soft, controlled soprano. The steady rhythm seems to be the referee for this sultry composition that caresses your ears the way a classic slow jam should.

Jill also sings opposite Tim Owens in the duet, Let Me Give You More. This ballad has all the makings of a timeless classic: a jazz ensemble, two dynamic voices and a subject matter in which the whole world can relate. This song can easily be the backdrop to any wedding reception’s “first dance” and is a quintessential must for the soul ballad playlist on your MP3 player, home entertainment system or wherever you need the mood to be perfect.

The Way takes you in so many positive directions, it’s hard to choose one. Overall, it depends on what mood you’re in and how you need Martin and his magnificent crew to facilitate (your mood). He truly has the ballads and funk with stories of love, life and truth. Even Brother, with its bold violin and gruff male vocals, has the power to uplift you with that Teddy Pendergrass urgency. Ian Martin has put together the kind of compilation that rivals the vast majority of “mainstream” soul and R&B. Highly recommended.