Valerie June's EP Stay , released in November 2020, intrigued by its originality. The album, which has just been released The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers is no exception to this principle. In a word, completely barred, in the positive sense of the word. The artist has developed a new language for our greatest happiness. She manages to teleport us into an Afro-futuristic universe where the shadow of Sun Ra (1914-1993), famous jazz pianist, precursor of this movement, walks. The tribute to this visionary musician, who marked both the history of music and the consciousness of African-Americans, is a sensitive bias, present in musicality, underlined by the visual universe and taken up in the lyrics.
Is the work in line with a music that would not be – only recreational?
First of all, Valerie June stands out for her musical approach.The ambitious project of plunging us into a reverie out of all conjunctural concerns, may seem unlikely in view of the anxiety-provoking flow of information.It succeeds, however. From the first notes, she places the abstract decor. The instrumental is uncluttered. The flute sets a vegetal backdrop. We are caught up in the prose of banjos, saxophones and synths. The voices unfold like the wings of a bird. The strings fill the ears with nuances and comforting energies. Everything is based on this particular timbre. There is purity, angelism and a sharp flayed grain. Something that speaks of this world, of a very trashy story, of original blues. A transition then takes place between the past and the future, space and the galaxy, consciousness and dreaminess. We escape and let ourselves be swallowed up by so many beauties.
Between psychedelic rock and symphonic pop
Valerie June has surrounded herself with big names in the profession, prestigious collaborations that give this album a very licked character. Arrangements by Lester Snel, who has worked with Isaac Hayes, Al Green… or directed by Tony Visconti, David Bowie's producer. The album is co-produced by Jack Splash, who has worked for Kendrick Lamar among others, Alicia Keys, John Legend and many others, Humberto Ibarra, musician emeritus percussion on You and I. The melodies sometimes refer to the afrobeat of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The texts are sometimes inspired by the surrealist poetry of Sun Ra (Stardust scattering) or the condition of Afro-descendants. Smile's message brings hope and comfort. You won't take my smile, says the artist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1awwM-I9Q5A
