Darrell McClover aka Daryl Yahudy, a former professional athlete knows that talent without discipline can only go so far. Realizing that his true heritage and roots go back to Yarushalam in the Regions of Afrika; his pride for who he is as a yahudy from the tribe of Yahudah has taken shape. The release of his single “Joy of Yah” and the new EP “Nothing Compares” is a reflection of a new beginning.
Though my only interest may be the music that an artist delivers, before I listened to Daryl Yahudy, I needed to satisfy my fascination for “tribe known as Yahudah”, and found the following (extract) statement by their Chief Prince and National Spokesperson: “We are not a “religious” organization, even though many will define Us as such; We are in fact a People! We will ONLY use Our Tribal name to define who We are in order to avoid the reactionary trend of “cliquism” and “revolutionary set-tripping”, which is doing Us a greater disservice then even the set-tripping done by youth groups and street organizations in the hood! We will not use church titles or Temple labels to define who We are. We are simply “The Tribe of Yahudah”.”
So within this context, what does Darrell McClover aka Daryl Yahudy bring to the musical table. I know good soulful music when I hear it and it takes a lot to impress me. But when this brother’s satiny vocals started pouring from the speakers, a part of me just melted.
The very first thought that came to my mind was the cool breeze on a humid summer day that just eases you into a peaceful slumber. I know it sounds cliché’, but this guy is both smooth and uplifting. He effortlessly blends a jazz, soul, and gospel vibe, all with that tinge of simple singer-songwriter flavor that makes it so delicious.
The opening track “Nothing Compares” is one of my favorites because it reminds me of having a long distance lover that I can’t see or touch, but continuously desire. And it’s just so damn cool. “Pedaling for Life” is another showstopper with powerful vocals that flows on this inspirational, uplifting tour de force.
The songs blend into one another like a seamless line, with stylings and moods reminding me of Luther Vandross. Now for the diehard Vandross fans, this may sound like blasphemy, but it’s true. There is that familiarity and effortless melding of lyrics and melody that make me think young Daryl might just be kin to the late great Mr. Vandross.
This much is so evident on the most beautiful piano-driven ballad, “Return for You”. This song resonated in my mind all night after the first listening. The ambience is intimate and sparse which is totally complimentary to Daryl Yahudy’s vocal prowess.
True music fans, may I have your attention please…if you do not own this EP by now, you’re sleeping on something graciously and powerful impacting. This is truly a mixture of great vocals, production and a unique style like I have not heard in sometime. Whether or not you are part of the Tribe of Yahudah is irrelevant in the total enjoyment of this EP.
The positive uplifting themes that Daryl Yahudy sings about on the “Nothing Compares” EP are universal and all-embracing, without any discriminating distinction.
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