Labyrinth Lounge has released the second single ‘It’s Just Water’, from their debut ‘Porgy‘ LP. With a smooth rhythm, punctuated by a cool tapestry of jazzy runs that remind one of 70s era Stevie Wonder. A righteous song that soulfully taps into themes of self empowerment.
Originally conceived and launched in New York in the late nineties, the collective re-assembled in 2016 to grow anew in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“It’s Just Water’ is about several things, as water plays many different roles daily to each one of us. The song talks about creating a clearer understanding of what is troubling you. Acknowledge the water, it’s just water. It will eventually pass by, but can’t you feel it deep within? Basically acknowledge that which is moving you to become a better human and stand against your doubt and fear. It’s time to ‘tell The people that it’s time to stand up and be strong’,” says Valerie Troutt.
The original band grew from the bass-drums pairing of John Ormond and Jaz Sawyer, best known as the rhythm section for the late great Abbey Lincoln, probably the most outspoken of the jazz divas, who brought a sense of black consciousness and social activism to the jazz world a long time before it became a trend. Taking everything they had soaked up while working with that great lady, the linked up with vocalist Valerie Troutt, keyboardist Emanuel Ruffler and rapper Ambessa ‘the Articulate’ Cantave, resulting in a unique mix of hip hop, rock, neo-soul and spoken word, sampling, beat making and improvisational approaches honed while performing in clubs and lounges in lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey. In 2016, the opportunity arose to revisit the project with the original lineup and new direction.
After a recent performance at Oakland’s Studio Grand, the band locked themselves away in the Bird and Egg Studio, resulting in six brand new tracks for their ‘Porgy’ LP.
