Retro Soul from Teddy Bryant

South-Carolinian singer, composer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Teddy Bryant brings us his first solo album, In The Beginning, released via Nothing But Net Records. Following a stellar musical career so far, playing local shows with his Contemporary Jazz band Urbyne since 1998 and releasing a Neo-Soul album in 2012 as Moonlight Ora, the artist now heads out on his new solo endeavour.

Bryant began his musical journey at an early age as he took up the piano. As the son of a Jazz musician, his natural talent for melodic and harmonic compositions didn’t go unnoticed for long. With his new entirely self-produced album the artist invites listeners to a trip around his world, at the crossroads of contemporary Soul, Street Soul and R&B. With his intention of creating a “dreamy concept of sonic realness, an ode to everlasting love, paying tribute to Sade, Marvin Gaye, Prince and Quincy Jones.”

With In The Beginning, Bryant stays firmly in touch with his roots and sensibilities, from the messages behind the music, through to the artwork, made from one of Teddy’s mother’s old analog photos. Putting his stamp on the classic street soul sound, the vocals on his debut LP are reminiscent of legendary Soul singer Marvin Gaye.

The voluptuous instrumentation, composed of sparkling synths, dainty guitar motifs, persuasive bass lines, and eloquent vocal layers, forms the silkiest blanket to host Bryant’s fervent voice. Presenting a splendid mix of modern and traditional qualities, the album showcases ethereal vocal abilities and composition skills inspired by the all-time greats most cherished by him.

Citing Carl McIntosh as one of his musical heroes, he channels the rhythmic sound of timeless street soul to create his own take on the style. Throughout his debut album, his experience as a musician and songwriter is abundantly clear as his smooth vocals purr atop an upbeat and grooving mix of instrumentation making In The Beginning an offering that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Listen to In The Beginning below