Haddaway's “What Is Love” may have been fun to dance to in the 80s, but it didn't touch on the actual question itself. Contrast that with Union of Hearts' opening track of the same title, which is instead c ool and moody... maybe even a little dark. It sounds like a true rumination by a musician who understands something about the question ‘what is love?’. It's a first sampling of the musical depth of each and every song on the CD.
Part of that depth lies in Mody's creative and unexpected melodies. It's simply highly refreshing to not know 12 bars into the song where it will end up. Sometimes he does satisfy the ear with something you might expect, but then often he instead chooses to surprise you.
“My Wish for You” really shows off that aspect of his writing, as well as his 'conversational style'. He speaks clearly through the instrument. He'll hit on an idea, and then almost mumble it back to himself, and then continue on with natural fluidity to the next motif. Listen carefully and you'll know if what he's saying is happy or bored, or melancholy. I have not enjoyed a smooth jazz album this much in a while. The genre abounds with talented players and songwriters and arrangers, but many of the recordings wind up lacking in substance in spite of all of the talent involved. Union of Hearts, on the other hand, is real music that just happens to be smooth. You won't want to miss the thought-provoking mellow available to you in aural fashion on this remarkable album.
Key Tracks- What Is Love, My Wish for You, Belonging To You
Donny Harvey- MuzikReviews.com Staff
September 8, 2011
