Raphael Saadiq Readies ‘Stone Rollin’; Jams With Mary J. Blige

Theboombox
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Just call Raphael Saadiq analog man. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter is finally set to release his throwback project ‘Stone Rollin’,” an album that mines the spirit, instrumentation and sound of the late ’50s and ’60s soul music scenes.

But while Saadiq’s last studio effort, 2008’s critically-acclaimed ‘The Way I See It,’ was a love letter to Motown, Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions-era classics, ‘Stone Rollin” showcases a sharper, aggressive feel and mood.

“This album was inspired by great artists like Howlin’ Wolf,” Saadiq tells The BoomBox of his upcoming set. “Stone Rollin’ has a harder, bluesy sound than my last album.

I got the chance to work with legendary bassist for Sly & The Family Stone Larry Graham. We did a duet together, a hidden track on the new album called ‘The Perfect Storm.’

I played bass, but I put my bass down laughs. The first day I tried to play bass for him, I couldn’t even play. I froze three times. He’s my all-time idol!”