Heston - Warm Human Cold World

September 17, 2011
Posted by Musicman
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Heston’s last album Storyteller announced the arrival of a mature soul artist warranting comparisons with genre favorite Maxwell. On his sophomore release, Warm Human Cold World, Heston manages to shake off the usual lazy comparisons offered by reviewers such as yours truly, effortlessly providing a more personal and complete album delivered in a more languid style with enviable depth, distinguishing him from the rest of the soul flock. If there are any comparisons to be made, they would have to be with legendary artists such as Marvin, Smokey and Leon Ware for its honesty, musicality and the ability to produce songs where the subject and music align together as perfect bedfellows. The album ploughs a resolutely mellow vibe with ample space in the arrangements and performances to successfully resonate deeper with the listener. Warm Human Cold World is a traditional album of strong songs, and while it’s certainly no exercise in retro, one could imagine this album having been released any time in the past forty years. Without pandering to trends, Heston has made a timeless album that grows in stature with every listen. With a couple of notable exceptions, the album plays in a downtempo mood overall, indeed the first five songs all meld into one another, creating a suite reminiscent of the A-side of an old LP. With a consistent band across the album, the unified sound is a highlight. Indeed, while the album is devoid of long solos and showy instrumentation, the arrangements allow enough light to shine on the stellar musicianship. While the playing across the board is captivating, the bass playing is a real highlight, adding a jazzier edge throughout.

It’s tough to circle particular tracks as standouts and while other reviews have highlighted the closing track and new single, the uptempo Greatest Lover, as its best, I’m drawn to the slower tracks, more in line with the overall mood of the album. Personal favorites include the languid seven minute deep bath soul of You, the delicate balladry of In These Arms and the country-flavored lament Lonely in my Room, a track that would not sound out of place musically on the Pat Metheny / Charlie Haden album Beyond the Missouri Sky. But dip in anywhere across Warm Human Cold World’s ten tracks and you’re guaranteed to find a sincere, soulful gem, warm with emotion set to resonate in your chest. Heston has been brave to deliver a resolutely downtempo album. As we know, it’s often the ‘dancers’ or uptempo tracks that draw the crowds. But Warm Human Cold World has a depth far beyond most current soul R&B releases. There is nothing mechanical about the songs, performance and production and while its magic may take multiple spins to intoxicate the listener, handsome dividends will be paid. The album cements Heston as part of soul’s premier league. If the lazy comparisons with Maxwell are to be continued, I hope that it will be solely in relation to Heston’s popularity, as his music stands proudly alone. ©Soulcuts.org

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Heston - Warm Human Cold World

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