The Plushcat Sessions - Deuce Maxwell
January 16, 2009 | Author: Rhydian H.M.
“The Plushcat Sessions” is the debut album by former California rapper - come nu-jazz artist and producer, Duece Maxwell. It features only one guest artist (David Macc) on the track “iPromise”.
The Pluscat Sessions is an immersion into a sensory stimulation. It is replete with instrumental sounds, in particular it builds up jazzy vibes from wind instruments and features a variety of percussion beats and piano chords. As Duece Maxwell takes on the challenge of fusing Jazz and Hip Hop together, he creates a lyrical theme around a girl of romantic interest, as subject of several tracks.
The track “iPromise” exemplifies the percussion based Jazz combination with a cymbal-drum rhythm and saxophone. The ensemble of instruments creates a light, mellow beat for the most part, but also includes more zesty moments with the inclusion of brass melodies.
In sparse uses of the mic, Duece Maxwell and guest David Macc sing vows to a girl, promising love and commitment. In the opening, Duece Maxwell softly sings “When I met you I knew….that you were someone I had to pursue; what was I gonna do…” Then David Macc medleys on the chorus with “(I promise you) to have and to hold; to love and to cherish you; (I promise you), and I want you to know, that I’m always there for you…”
“In Remembrance” showcases the effect of vocal instrumentals that all medley to make a chilled but engaging vibe. Here Maxwell uses the softening mood to take a trip down memory lane and pay tribute to God, who made a sentimental impact in his life, singing “The only time I’m happy…is when I think of you…you know all the things I do.”
Another thematic track is “Birdsong”, which instrumentally features a combination of light beats, Piano melodies and synthesized strings. Maxwell continues his loving dedications on the mic, as he pleads for his special girl to return so they can try again, singing:
“I wish I could read your mind, so I can know what you’re thinking;
and tell you girl, what’s in my heart
I wish I could hold you, so close to me baby
that way we’d never be apart…”
Maxwell dives deeper into instrumentals with tracks “After 2AM” and “City Heights”, which feature piano leads, percussion and strings. The often voiceless tracks may have nothing to listen to vocally, but Maxwell uses his production skills to create a unique sound worth listening to for relaxation.
“The Pluscat Sessions” is due to be released on February 10 with record label Jake Records, commercially announcing Duece Maxwell as an artist fully in tune.
