Moroccan born albeit Los Angeles, California raised singer/songwriter Ami Taf Ra making her full-length studio debut. Her husband Kamari Washington has become the most revered saxophonist of the past decade, dropping the crown jewel of Brainfeeder Records’ entire catalog with The Epic during my senior year of high school. However, she’s signing to Flying Lotus’ independent imprint distributed by Ninja Tune herself & introducing the world to who she is artistically through The Prophet & The Madman.
After the “Speak to Us” intro, the 2nd single “How I Became a Madman” begins with Ami & her husband taking inspiration from “Packard Goose” by Frank Zappa for a spiritual vocal jazz opener whereas the 4th & final single “The Prophet” asks herself how can she go in peace without sorrow. “God” goes for a Parliament-Funkadelic vibe continuing to depict themes of spirituality just before the soulfully jazzy “Love” yearns to be spoken to of affection.
“My Friend” incorporates some jaw-dropping guitar work from Brandon Coleman likening herself to a garment she wears rather than what she sees while “Children” sings over acoustics suggesting to give your children your love instead of your thoughts. “Gnawa” comes through with a passionate love letter to her Moroccan roots & after “Gibran” compositionally enhances the spiritual jazz fusions, final song “Khalil” ahead of the “Speak to Us” outro sends off the LP with a powerful 10 minute vocal jazz closer.
The Epic remains my favorite jazz album of the 21st century, so I was all on board the idea of Kamasi Washington returning to the label he dropped it under to help his wife produce her own debut & I think Ami Taf Ra can reach that point of making something as equally groundbreaking a few years from now. The Prophet & The Madman is basically her take on the spiritual jazz/jazz fusion sound her husband has become known for except she’s putting a vocal soul jazz twist to it confronting topics like duality, healing & ancestral memory.
Score: 4/5
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