Eddie Chacon – Sundown

How do you follow up a five-paw reviewed album, an album that really caught us by surprise after so many years of being under the radar? When Eddie Chacon, one half of the duo Charles & Eddie who scored a hit in the early 90s with “Would I Lie To You”, released “Pleasure, Joy And Happiness” in 2020, it clearly was a revelation and a truly unique sound and statement. We had the pleasure of seeing him live with fellow writer and producer and keyboardist John Carroll Kirby in Berlin last year. Now, he follows up with “Sundown”, once again produced by Kirby and featuring alto sax and flute by Logan Hone, trombone by Elizabeth Lea, drums by William Logan, percussion by David Leach, and of course Kirby on keys.

Four tracks have been released in the weeks prior to the album’s release and it became clear that this is not really a cheap reproduction of the well-rounded last album, but rather an advanced piece which boasts with spiritual, percussive soul-jazz as can be heard on the wonderful title track which reminds me of some of the best work by Lonnie Liston Smith and/or Pharoah Sanders (in fact, Sanders was one of the inspirations for Eddie on this particular album). Probably closest in style to his previous album is the mystified “Step By Step” with brilliant keyboard work and an almost psychedelic feel. Equally hypnotizing, with thrilling and moody flute work by Hone, is the warm and soothing “Comes And Goes”. Fascinating stuff. And then there is the first single off the album, the bubbling “Holy Hell”. We still can’t get enough of this tune which might as well take us to holy heaven instead.

So what about the four “new” tracks which hadn’t been released yet. Absolute highlight of the set is “Haunted Memories”, once again in the Sanders/Smith mode. Indeed haunting, with Eddie’s vocals exceptionally cool and tenuous. The groove is adamantly sexy. You’re somehow unconsciously coerced into higher spheres. Reminds me of John’s brilliant album “Septet” from 2021, especially the percussive part towards the end. There are more delicious jams here: “Far Away” trots along with an infectious groove. Same applies to “Same Old Song”. I really like the flute playing on this one. The album closer, “The Morning Sun”, is another highlight. Makes me want to go back to Pharoah and his meditative “Morning Prayer” from “Thembi” (1971). It’s a veritable meditation and an irresistible beauty.

Don’t miss his upcoming tour dates:
4/19 Los Angeles – Lodge Room
5/16 Brussels – AB
5/17 London – KOKO Camden
5/18 Manchester – YES (The Pink Room)
5/20 Dublin – Sugar Club
5/21 Berlin – Frannz Club
5/24 Rotterdam – Bird