Keyon Harrold celebrates Vulnerability on ‘Foreverland’

The supremely gifted trumpeter and vocalist, Keyon Harrold has blown away audiences on a number of international levels and labored with powerhouses like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, 50 Cent and John Legend, simply to call just a few. His latest studio album, Foreverland, is his most private up to now, relaying themes of peace, solace, and vulnerability. On this opus, the multi-dimensional artist wears his coronary heart on his sleeve and makes use of stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics to ship a private, but extremely relatable album.

In an unique interview with Okayplayer, Harrold harassed the significance of themes and intention in his music. The opening monitor, “Discover Your Peace,” isn’t only a track — it doubles as an inspirational mantra. The concept of “taking again your energy” flows closely by means of its melody and accompanying lyrics, making it the right album opener. When requested in regards to the deeper that means behind the monitor, he says, “So usually we predict to be validated by individuals and different sources but when we are able to get deeper into ourselves, we are able to discover the true that means of why we’re right here and our goal.”

Picture by Kwaku Alston.

Foreverland’s title monitor paints an image of a back-and-forth change between two would-be lovers. He opens the track with poignant lyrics of those love-bound souls starting on completely different paths, however looking for their approach to one another. Harrold sings soulfully on this monitor and is accompanied by the fascinating vocals of Laura Mvula. The sultry affair is elevated by the mellow percussion stylings of drummer, Chris Dave. Moreover, the instrumental parts of the track assist to construct an ethereal soundscape, additional delivering the concept of a dreamy, utopic “foreverland.”

The brand new album shines with notable visitor slots, proof of Harrold’s respect and clout within the sport. One such noteworthy characteristic is Frequent, an artist he has a longstanding bond with. “My first skilled gig was working with Frequent,” he shares. “I used to be about 18 or 19 working with him on Like Water for Chocolate. To have us nonetheless working collectively is without doubt one of the most rewarding issues to me. At first, I used to be only a trumpet participant however now I’m the artist and he’s featured on my album and it’s a phenomenal factor.”

Harrold additionally shared particulars of his cherished relationship with PJ Morton, and the way the pair met whereas on tour with Erykah Badu.

“I performed on his first solo file, ‘Feelings,’ however that is the primary time he’s featured on my album,” Harrold states. “Even Robert Glasper, we met once we have been fifteen years previous, he’s my son’s godfather, and he’s an incredible particular person on the whole and he’s on my album too.” His pleasure was palpable when describing the enduring household vibes between the musicians on this challenge. “It was like a reunion or a musical smorgasbord. It’s a religious course of with individuals that may come collectively musically.”

Like every vibrant style, evolution is required to maintain issues contemporary and dynamic. After we requested about his emotions in regards to the state of the trendy jazz scene, Harrold solely had good issues to share. “I feel it’s flourishing and we’re the place we’re speculated to be. Jazz is useless when it’s not rising and [the] music is unquestionably rising. It has components of hip-hop, rock, classical, funk, fusion, R&B, and every thing in between. But it surely’s how we spin these issues collectively that makes it particular.” He was additionally very vocal about his need to include and respect the African origins of jazz and shared his dedication to proceed uplifting the style’s trailblazers.

Following the discharge of Foreverland on January nineteenth, Harrold can be performing the album at Blue Notice in New York Metropolis on three consecutive nights. If you happen to’re on the town, be sure you attempt to catch him reside.