Soul Heavy
The solo debut from the leader ofthe Subdudesis a study in eclectics, a mixed-genre body of work that ranges from countrified blues to Louisiana funk to comfortable country-rock, with a brief ending flare of free jazz ("Somebody Got Caught," if you're wondering). There's a bit that sounds a lot likeEric Clapton("Mothers") and a couple of R&B-flavored; numbers (the title track and "Hold On," in particular). All in all, it's an impressive showcase for a talent that's been nurtured by a 20-plus-year career. Since Malone cites rock, soul, and country as major influences, the strange brew that isSoul Heavyshouldn't be too surprising, and since he's from New Orleans, the strong swamp inflection here is not unexpected, either. This is a fine example of how musical influences can combine to form a distinctive whole.--Genevieve Williams