*Brooklyn Baby*

Right there – a slick groove in the form of a woman created by the vibe of a borough in New York City . . . “she was from Brooklyn, baby”. If ever a song could harness the essence of the electromagnetic undertones of a fine female, “Brooklyn Baby” would be a most excellent gesture. Even before the first lyric emerges, the swagger of the baseline lets us know we’re about to slide right into an attitude we can’t shake. It’s a warm melody in hot pursuit of an urban swing. It’s an ode to the pleasure and mystery of infatuation. By the time the inevitable “fade out” is upon us, we’re left asking ourselves “what’s the quickest way to Brooklyn?”
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Right there – a slick groove in the form of a woman created by the vibe of a borough in New York City . . . “she was from Brooklyn, baby”. If ever a song could harness the essence of the electromagnetic undertones of a fine female, “Brooklyn Baby” would be a most excellent gesture. Even before the first lyric emerges, the swagger of the baseline lets us know we’re about to slide right into an attitude we can’t shake. It’s a warm melody in hot pursuit of an urban swing. It’s an ode to the pleasure and mystery of infatuation. By the time the inevitable “fade out” is upon us, we’re left asking ourselves “what’s the quickest way to Brooklyn?”
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It's rare that you hear an artist create a personal album these days, what with most of today's mainstream entertainers usually having their lyrics manufactured by anyone else other than themselves. That's not the case, however, with Phoenix based artist Paris Toon. Paris, known as the brainchild behind jazz/soul/funk band Mother's Favorite Child, created his own project based on life, love, and pain...literally.

It took Paris Toon a year and a half to create Baptism by Fire, and the result is an unquestionably intimate album that speaks to the ups and downs he was going through when he recorded the project. “Baptism by Fire" is exactly that; Paris's experiences of love, divorce, death, heartache, deception, and finding the strength to live and love again, as he encountered them, head on. Toon didn't originally intend to release an album so personal to the public, but after encouragement from friends and band mates, he finally decided to let the world hear his project.

In past decades, an album as personal as Baptism by Fire would be nothing new. Artists like Marvin Gaye made a living off intimate albums such as “Hear, My Dear," after all. That's why it's refreshing to hear an album that speaks to what the artist is feeling exactly at the moment he recorded the song in today's homogenous music world. Musically, the album is more of an experimental jazz project with inflections of soul and funk. The project begins with the mellow jazzy tune, “No Longer Sees Me," a song heavy on organic jazz keyboard with love-inspired lyrics and heartfelt vocals by Morris. “U I Will" is a funky song that's both spacey and jazzy, if that makes sense.

“Brooklyn Baby" is a sweet tune that expresses the admiration of the female species thru experimental jazz. “The Difference" is a mellow, mid-tempo song, heavy on the organic sound. “The Gift" offers a beautiful orchestral intro that evolves into a mellow soul love song. “Pops Barbershop" delves into some Billy Preston-esque keyboard work filled with gospel and a soul. The song is Toon's call for the good old days of good music over commercialism. On “You Must Think I'm," Paris offers up some soul sounds reminiscent of 70's Stevie Wonder, but the lyrics are clearly personal and reflect on lies and deceit. “Aya Ros Lived" is an incendiary tale sang by Paris in a soulful, jazzy package.

With “You Need Geezus," Paris uses experimental jazz to address a deceitful woman. “P.U.M.P." is an acronym (I'll let you figure out what it means), and song title flows around experimental jazz from the late 1960's and early 70's. “Testify" is an organic jazz tune that doesn't hold back on its testimony.

All in all, I'm glad Paris Toon decided to share Baptism by Fire with us. The album offers some excellent music, and the subject matter is something most all of us can identify with. If you're into heartfelt music, then “Baptism by Fire" is an album you will enjoy.
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I just finished listening to Baptism by Fire and wanted to share my thoughts.

DA-ang! This album is thick and it's rich. It's the hippest blend of funk and groove, soul and jazz that my ears have tasted in a l-o-n-g minute. In fact, what's really great is that my ears have never tasted this particular musical stew before - it's original, fresh, and it is satisfying. 

You know that I hear and feel in layers, and there are plenty of juicy ones here. For me, the beauty is in the musical and vocal complexity floating on top of that big fat groove. It's got a Steely Dan-esque sophistication that I love, delicious lyrical phrasing (pillow, win-dow sill) with harmonies that make you want to pay attention to the story, and the kind of groove that get's your head moving with attitude. One minor point for feedback. Yeah, I am old school on this, but I missed being able to check out the lyrics and credits in the cd package when I looked for them.
I definitely understand the amount of work and tenacity required to create something original. So I just wanted to tell you that the efforts you all have put in the last year have created something very cool, It definitely hits my spot, and I can't wait for more that's on the way. Good thing y'all are prepping the kitchen right so that when it hits, you have plenty to serve all the appetites you've whet with this one:)
Good on Ya and keep at it. What it takes is worth it. And on the days the process doesn't feel so comfortable or easy, re-read this and know that collectively you have/are creating something unique. I think Pop's Barber Shop about sums it up....
Many blessings and much success and prosperity to all of you,
l.m.
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