Serpentwithfeet - Soil - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Anna Vinnitskaya celebrates dance, or rather the dances of composers from very different periods and styles Ravel, Shostakovich and Widmann. 'In all these works, you can feel in some way transported to the world of childhood. Because I believe the childhoods of each of these three composers are reflected there', says the pianist. In his Valses nobles et sentimentales, Ravel paid tribute to Schubert. A few years later, he transcribed for solo piano his ballet score La Valse, in which 'billowing clouds part from time to time, allowing us to glimpse waltzing couples'. Shostakovich's Dances of the Dolls make me think of the Soviet cartoons of my childhood', says Anna Vinnitskaya. 'They also remind me of Mozart they are as bright as diamonds, sincere and beautiful.' The Zirkustänze (Circus Dances) composed by Jörg Widmann in 2012, a brilliant kaleidoscope of emotions and parodies, round off the programme.

Serpentwithfeet, the Baltimore born singer-songwriter, is takingnatural steps as a versatile talent from chapter to chapter in his career. His thirdalbum GRIP is the result of these latest steps. GRIP finds it's home on the dance floorof Black gay clubs and the intimate moments that happen there and afterward, nomatter the location. It explores the small moments of physical touch and how theyoccur. Whether it be a grip around the waist or the face, serpentwithfeet managesto explore all angles.GRIP and the Black gay club share an interesting juxtaposition theclub is public; the dancefloor is obviously a place where people look at and watchone another. At the same time, the Black gay club is a safe community space, itis Inchfor usInch, and in that way is very private, very intimate. These clubs provideda different atmosphere for him, a different comfort, and a different sense ofwelcoming that nurtured him in a new way.From start to finish, GRIP sonically lives the highs and lows of notonly a night out at the club but of romance as well. InchDamn Gloves (ft. Ty Dolla $ignand Yanga YaYa)Inch captures the adrenaline rush of a night's peak with a thumpingbass entwined in dance production that mimics the heartbeat's speed as intimacyruns high between two lovers. InchSpadesInch employs a sweet guitar-driven melody tocreate a tender moment as a slow-dance would. InchLucky MeInch is sweet and honest,void of anything that distracts from the moment at hand as serpent's voice, atwinkling guitar melody, and enchanting synths serve as the driving force tochampion a new romance.It is a body of work that highlights moments that are closest to theheart. Throughout his seven-year career, he has exhibited versatility through R&Bmusic that's been in and outside of grim, spiritual, and joyous. Serpentwithfeetcontinues to push the limits of his artistry.

Serpentwithfeet is not only imagining, but exploring a world wherein Black love is paramount. His new album, DEACON, is Incha study rather than a story,Inch delving into Black, gay love and the tenderness present in the best companionships, romantic or otherwise.Fully self-actualized and more devoted than ever to personal fulfilment, DEACON highlights his growth as a songwriter, which he credits to taking a more straightforward approach to expression. Spending time with pop songwriters and observing how they traverse language encouraged serpent to take more risks lyrically, resulting in more purity.Raised by religious parents in Baltimore, serpent's flair for theatrical themes and gospel sensibilities can be traced to the Black church, a place where the artist had his earliest experiences with glamour and the ornate. Well-executed vocal flourishes and the implementation of a quickening vibrato are just a few of the skills he picked up during his time in a Pentecostal choir. He proudly follows in the tradition of R&B artists whose gifts were helmed in the church, and he approached DEACON with an undeniable passion and reverence for the genre.In his love for love, serpentwithfeet is offering a look into the soul of a man who articulates his passion in a warmer, gentler way. He's become wholly confident in his gift and messaging on DEACON, which is to be expected when one gives vent to maturity. Through his music, he allows compassion to be the backbone of his art, as he communes with his most loving self.