Dwele:

"Sketches of a man", (Koch records, 2008)

It's a welcomed return of the indie-soul detroit based multi-instrumentalist/ arranger and vocalist Dwele (Andwele Gardner).

Now four albums deep if we include his initial independant offering "Rize". Sketches envelops everything we know about and feel about love and what we call soulful. This 20 track album produced by Nottz, A.Ferrell For G.O.O.D. Music is unburdened by weighty harmonious basslines and what couldbe considered jazzy/ hip hop drum patterns proves this now more established artist can deliver at whatever cost.Originally signed to Virgin and now debuting on Koch records this album reveals a more experimental Dwele and one that seemsmore relaxed utilising his upper register as can be seen in the delightful mid-tempo cover of Bobby Calwell's breakup anthem "Open your eyes". Other outstanding tracks seem to be when Dwele leaves his comfort zone as on the piano ballard "I'm sorry (Wake the musical baby), a track about penning a song. Two other spotlight tracks are the up-tempo and radio friendly and initial release "I'm Cheating", which was confusing but transpired to be about Dwele cheating on his girl with her alter-ego and the other, Body Rock which could fit quite easily within the musical catalogues of Usher or Chris Brown. My personal favourite at the moment is the mid-tempo "A few reasons (The Truth pt2) where Dwele shows his appreciation for the woman in his life is extremely infectious! From Dwele's earliest offering with Philly rapper "Bahamadia", Detroit rappers "Slum Village" and then ultimately Detroit producer "Jay Dee", Dwele definitely has a formula that his hardcore fans will appreciate and this formula is still evident throughout "Sketches". With a consistent flow easily blending from one to the other, and with only one significant feature Slum Village on "Brandi", "Sketches" is ideal to relax to. Put this on and just let it play, and as this is easily Dwele's best work to date "Sketches" will be on constant rotation.