If It's Too Loud...

Photo by @ogata_photo The latest from drummer/producer Nate Smith is "Magic Dance," a single that features Lionel Loueke and Michael League. The new song is a mix of jazz and funk infused with African rhythms. It's a combination of jazz and world music, without completely sounding like either genre. It uses what sound like keyboards in an oddly sparing way that gives the song a more modern sound, even though they don't sound like a modern instrument. "Magic Dance" has this unique sound that is both retro and modern, while also being experimental and accessible.  Nate Smith says of his latest single: "sometimes the word magic is used dismissively, especially when it pertains to the creation of art... I prefer to think of the term magic the way a magician would — with the understanding of the discipline, skill and patience that actually makes magic look like magic. I’ve known these two geniuses (Lionel Loueke, Michael League) for over a decade now... Lion...

Photo by Tyler Scheerschmidt I always like to close the week on a fun note, so this week we're bringing you Nate Smith and Lalah Hathaway's take on The Pointer Sisters' "Automatic." The Pointer Sisters were the soundtrack to countless childhood memories for me, and they don't seem to get a lot of love these days. Drummer/producer Nate Smith changes that with his reimagining of the 1984 hit song, which includes vocals from Lalah Hathaway. This cover is a much more chill and laid back version, that features some jazzy elements, along with some modern R&B and electronic parts. It's the kind of cover that stays true enough to the original while going off in a completely different direction. I could see many listeners not picking up on it being a cover until the chorus, or possibly not at all. But for those that grew up on The Pointer Sisters, you'll know almost immediately. You can listen to Nate Smith and Lalah Hathway's version of "Automatic...