Donn T
Kaleidoscopic
(More About Music)
It’s one thing to be a singer and to put out an album. It’s a whole other battle, a whole other gift of creativity, an uncommon super-ability in execution when you try to turn a specific genre on its head and move it forward. Kaleidoscopic by Philly-native Donn T turns rhythm and blues into certified electronic soul, far beyond the stuff you hear on the radio these days where Beyonce and Alicia Keys have injected a bit of techno club into their latest pop tracks. Having a spotlight of her own, sister of ?uestlove, of the stellar group The Roots, Donn T has shared in one way or musical other with Common, Amy Winehouse, John Legend, and Zap Mama via stage sharing or creative cred. Sort of like a lovechild from the bosom of ultra-funky Meshell Ndegeocello and the psychedelia of Erykah Badu’s future-sounds on Worldwide Underground, Donn T’s closer relations are the other-worldly sounds of Janelle Monáe and Santigold. The deep richness of Donn T’s vocals over smooth bass and jagged keys creates a soulful sweetness that is in a class all its own. Kaleidoscopic is bumping house music mixed with bass grinding beats, rattling percussion and deep connective allegiance to pure soulful rhythm and blues with contemplative lyrics and tonal warmth. It is engaging and not like anything else, easily dance worthy and genius. Donn T sings, “You can’t win by how they want you to be. Authenticity.†Exactly. Donn T’s nailed it and no one can come close.
