Melanie Scholtz: Seven

Seven years is both an eternity and the blink of an eye.  Enough of a stretch for individual circumstances to turn on countless dimes, it's also just a brief moment in the sea of existence and the greater, grander scheme.  Seven is life itself...yet it's also one of its component cycles.  South African-born vocalist Melanie Scholtz is well aware of these contradictions and truths, and, more importantly, the spiritual charge, gifts toward personal growth, well-placed challenges and overall wonder embedded within the number. And she uses that knowledge to outstanding effect.   

Seven—Scholtz's first release for Ropeadope's AfricArise imprint—draws inspiration, stories and strength from the years spent building a new life in New York.  Working closely with pianist/producer/co-writer Bokani Dyer, this world-wise artist crafts a compelling program that touches on her experiences, optimism, personal anchors and true sense of self. Opening on a vocal vignette that flat-out states an embrace of identity without filter, Scholtz quickly goes on to address rebirth and renewal on the easy flowing "New Skin."  The slick, upbeat soul of love song "Remedy" and slow-grooving "Music is the Man of My Dreams" follow, benefitting from sharp lyrics and polished delivery while highlighting Scholtz's magnetic vocals.  Additionally, they draw welcome attention to a tight core unit featuring Dyer, bassist Benjamin Jephta and drummer Marlon Witbooi, and introduce important guests in the mix, like saxophonist Paul Carlon, trumpeter Mark Collins and guitarist Al Du Toit.

"Thread," where Scholtz expands the art of the interlude, uses an African-accented, neo-doo-wop slant to thank the line that pulls her home; and "With Me," similarly appreciative, travels the path of the sophisticated power-pop ballad. "Same Black Magic" sings to an unspoken sisterhood and latches onto the ears with irresistible melodic/lyrical hooks. Miniature "Open Heart" quickly bares itself through name and requests the same before it departs and draws attention to the mellow, contemporary-leaning "Love Again." And two different takes on dream-catching nugget "Very Soon"—one electro-enhanced, the other acoustic—bookend talks of money matters and materialism on hundred-dollar happening "Benjamin." Seven years in The City That Never Sleeps have clearly been transformative for Melanie Scholtz, and this music, detailing or drawing on that metamorphosis, carries its own life-altering impact.