It was not so much a revelation, more the realisation of their worst fears. The major label experience of the Jazzyfatnastees, who debuted on MCA three years back with the album 'The Once And Future', was not kind. For the major labels who're always looking for the quick payback, 'The Once & The Lifetime' was terribly unfashionable.
By genre classification it veered towards progressive jazz more than it did neo soul. By definition, it was adult-contemporary. And, god forbid, it was bereft of hip-hop attitude. But it was good. Some would say contemporary Philly soul (think Jill Scott and Jaguar Wright) at its finest. No longer with MCA, the Jazzyfatnastees assumed greater creative control on this 10-track set.
Like 'The Once And Future', it has trademark Philly soul characteristics, thick jazzy basslines, organic keys, opulent string arrangements and modern r&b beats. Complemented by the duo's poignant and gentle vocal arrangements, their most distinctive attribute. While the bulk of the tracks comprise of routine themes like relationships and growing up, each feature an underlying fascination with mystery and fantasy, cemented by lyrics full of imagery and irony.
Somewhat surprising, however, is the prominence of more radio friendly tracks, like 'Four Lives', a true neo soul track, and 'All In My Face' with its chopping jazz-funk bassline. It also suffers from the lesser role of Scott Storch on Rhodes and the absence of ?uestlove's thick drum beats. Nevertheless, the operatic harmonies - evident in tracks like 'Give A Dog A Bone' and the title track - and greater Latin influence are inspired advancements on their sound.
'The Tortoise & The Hare' is worth your time, primarily because it remains so imaginative yet so understated. It's just a shame that these qualities are so rare nowadays.
