In 2023, André 3000 dropped his long-sought-for solo album, but instead of the instant rap classic many had been expecting and counting on, it was an instrumental ambient jazz record featuring 3 Stacks on multiple flutes. To many, it was a bewildering move, but for some, it was easy to deeply connect with these lush and free flowing tunes. Yesterday, André attended the MET Gala and simultaneously released an EP for which the cover art is a sketch of his attire for the evening. The music on the EP has been described by the artist himself as improvisational sketches that he conjured by spreading his fingers "out on the keys and randomly but with purpose move them around until [he] find[s] something that feels good or interesting." Admitting to knowing no keys or chords, the tracks help showcase the mindset of this genius at work, recording these first takes and already displaying a new level of understanding further proves the artistry and talent possessed by André. Of the collection, "hotel lobby pianos" is perhaps the most striking because at the one-minute mark, the improvised movement finds a home and 3K begins to play a motif that strongly resembles Dave Brubeck's classic "Take Five" as if it were being covered by Vince Guaraldi. The rest of the snippet carries on that riff and you can feel the revelation Mr. Benjamin must have been feeling himself as he repeats it before wearing it out entirely. Never intended for any kind of release, it's a glimpse behind the curtain at one of the the most pure and true artists of his time.
7 piano sketches is out now.
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