Mandoki Soulmates’ “A Memory of Our Future”
This is an album from a band that might be new to many of you, just as it was to me. Mandoki Soulmates, are a band that masterfully blends progressive rock, jazz rock, jazz fusion, and soul.
I’ll be the first to admit that Mandoki Soulmates was not on my radar until recently. The band’s name kept popping up on my Facebook feed, and I was intrigued by the beautiful presentation of their vinyl release. So, I decided to give it a listen and share my thoughts with you.
Let’s start by talking about the packaging of “A Memory of Our Future.” it’s a luxurious double album with poly-lined sleeves, courtesy of Inside Out Music. The booklet provides an in-depth look at the band’s 30-year history and their extensive discography.
Who Are Mandoki Soulmates?
For those unfamiliar with Mandoki Soulmates, they are a band with a rich history and a rotating lineup of stellar musicians. The band was founded by Hungarian-born musician Leslie Mandoki. Over the years, they’ve collaborated with an impressive array of artists, including:
Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)
Al Di Meola
Mike Stern
Randy Brecker
Bill Evans
Till Brönner
Tony Carey
Cory Henry
Nick van Eede
Simon Phillips
John Helliwell (Supertramp)
Steve Bailey
Richard Bona
The band’s unique approach involves bringing in these renowned musicians to create a rich tapestry of sound that transcends genre boundaries.
The Music
Musically, “A Memory of Our Future” is a diverse and immersive experience. The album defies easy categorization, blending elements of 70s soul, progressive rock, jazz fusion, and more. From the soulful grooves reminiscent of the Average White Band to the lightning-fast guitar lines of Al Di Meola, I found the album an absolute joy to listen to.
The Hammond organ, played by Tony Carey and Cory Henry, adds a layer of depth and richness to the sound. The vocals are powerful and emotive, fitting perfectly with the intricate instrumentation.
I particularly love Devil’s Encyclopedia with the line “Social Media is the Devil’s Encyclopedia” which is an earworm of a track with a catchy hook that won’t leave you.
Enigma Of Reason is a ten-minute epic that showcases the band’s ability to weave complex musical narratives.
Matchbook Racing and We Stay Loud are both tracks that feature impressive musicianship and thought-provoking lyrics.
The lyrics throughout the album are observant and reflective, touching on themes of societal issues and personal introspection. This is music that not only sounds good but also makes you think.
Mandoki Soulmates’ “A Memory of Our Future” is a beautifully crafted album that deserves your attention. Whether you’re a fan of progressive rock, jazz fusion, or soulful music, there’s something here for you. The musicianship is top-notch, and the production quality is outstanding.
If you’re like me and hadn’t heard of Mandoki Soulmates before, I encourage you to give this album a listen. You can stream it first to get a feel for it. Let me know what you think of “A Memory of Our Future” in the comments. Have you been a fan of Mandoki Soulmates for years, or is this a new discovery for you too?
ORDER THE VINYL VERSION FROM AMAZON
ORDER THE CD VERSION FROM AMAZON
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
