Big Wade and Black Swan Theory collectively blends funk, soul, jazz and everything that fills the cracks between those genres: his new album - Piano Man - on all major streaming platforms ahead of the Piano Man Tour 2024, which has dates across the US.
Piano Man brings a selection of original and covers, including a stunning version of Autumn Leaves, which reinvents the song as the funky, electronic Autumn. Big Wade's voice takes the song's melody and improvises around and around, with backing vocals and a deliberately sparse arrangement underpinning the song. Similarly, on Children of the Ghetto, the lead and backing vocals blend in with the soulful musicians of Black Swan Theory.
Electronics are used with dexterity, often expanding the vocal lines, as in the ethereal and ghostly opening of Don't Let Me Go. However, the tools never dominate - simply adding depth and layers to the funk. Never more than when Big Wade enters a new world in Interludes, including vocals from Shakura and from Luigi Waites.
The collection of tracks on Piano Man revolve around love and relationships and then the listener is delivered a live delight in the form of Paid My Dues, which includes rapping direct from Big Wade's heart and the great lines: "Living just enough for the city / Only thing I know is to be me." As the track fades out, you know the live renditions of these songs will be worth hearing in their entirety.
You're going to want to catch Big Wade and Black Swan Theory if this show comes to a city near you.
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