Son of Legendary American jazz trumpeter Don Cherry, and half-brother of Neneh, Eagle-Eye is already a successful actor in his own right, but has decided to follow the family tradition into the big, bad world of music, with this, his debut solo album.
He was motivated to record this album after the death in 1995 of his beloved father, as an odyssey of self-exploration and Eagle-Eye has come up trumps with this offering. Totalling 12 tracks, they are mostly easy listening and simply put together using a four piece backing band of acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass and drums, with the added sprinkled ingredients of piano, Hammond organ, keyboards and programming throughout, with the acoustic guitar the most prominent instrument overall, with the electric guitar being more subdued and reserved in comparison. Eagle-Eye has written all the lyrics and music, and either solely produced or co-produced all the tracks here, which are a tranquil fusion of deep seated acoustic blues and his jazz roots influences. The album is impressively mature in its presentation as Eagle-Eye draws on his personal experience of life, and many of his songs are like mini storybooks.
Born in Sweden, raised in Brooklyn, he recently returned to his homeland after his father’s departure from the world. Many of the songs recall memories of his father, while in others; the subjects are more obscure and surprising to an extent, including shooting drugs, black gunning down black, seagulls and mermaids. Other than the massively successful debut single “Save Tonight“, a beautifully crafted piece of handiwork, the album contains several other gems. The shyly reserved “Worried Eyes” is a soft, melodic duet with a female by the name of Titiyo Jah, and is a contender for future single release, while the new single “Falling In Love Again” is a gracefully accomplished piece of work, which builds as the song progresses. “Indecision” is a stylish folk-bluesy track that blossoms with repeated play, while the flowing beauty of “When Mermaids Cry” is a delightful composition Don Cherry must be looking down from Heaven, with a satisfied smile on his face as he listens to this album of laidback songs from his son, who has named his album “Desireless” in tribute after a instrumental number by his father.
Although not overtly commercial in musical style, this album should sell well, with such endearing qualities of sincerity and enjoyable compositions which are rhythmical and heartfelt, and which combine to make an album to be checked out.
Taken From Scotland Calling (Scottish Music Network)
