From Eric Hilton, Godfather of downtempo electronics comes two new tracks of dub soul goodness, “Farewell to Midnight” b/w “Front Line”.
Eric Hilton’s work as a solo artist is primarily instrumental; for this release longtime collaborator Puma Ptah provided vocals and the lyrics on both tracks. Hilton and Ptah’s musical relationship goes back to the 2012 debut album by The Archives, a roots reggae project which Hilton produced, and Puma performs with. Ptah has also been a frequent guest on recordings and is a key member in Thievery Corporation’s live show.
Musically speaking, the a-side “Farewell to Midnight” delivers the laid-back groove and sparkling atmospherics that Hilton has perfected in his solo work, while Ptah’s soft and soaring voice seems to answer the question “what if Marvin Gaye made a reggae record?” It was a vocal performance that Ptah initially found challenging. “Farewell” is in a higher key than my usual range and initially I wasn’t comfortable singing like this,” said Ptah. “But Eric pushed me. I couldn’t project my voice as easily in that key, so I sang softer, it took a couple of takes and then it was comfortable.” Hilton expanded, “I love working with Puma, he has an incredible voice, he writes beautiful lyrics and brings such a good vibe to every performance. His background is in roots reggae but he’s a real soul singer. “Farewell To Midnight” is my favorite vocal performance by him, and I think we made a really great sounding record,” says Hilton.
Ptah’s questioning lyrics for “Farewell to Midnight” brilliantly contrast the musical sweetness of the record. “Life seems significantly more stressful post pandemic, everyone’s mind seems to be full of anxiety,” says Ptah. “Suffering is symbolized by midnight - midnight is gonna come no matter what, you just have to be ready for it. Things can fall apart or get dark, but good outcomes can come from that.” Ultimately, “Farewell to Midnight” acknowledges the inevitable darkness we all must contend with, but with eyes looking hopefully towards the impending dawn.
The b-side “Front Line” is Afrobeat in flavor, tough and more uptempo. Horn flourishes and a simply burning flute solo funk things up. Once again, Ptah’s draws his lyrical inspiration from the tribulations of modern life, and the will to never stop fighting. “My strength comes from community and family,” say Ptah. I may not be able to change the world, but I can try to influence and be influenced by my community. If I can be of assistance to them, that’s a realistic hope for me. Start your fight against injustices from within your community.”
The retro cover art features of juxtaposition of photographs the artists took of each other on separate occasions; the graphic design a beautiful compliment to the limited-edition green vinyl 7” that will be available for pre-order. Both artists are looking forward to fans hearing this latest chapter in their long musical working relationship. "Eric’s solo music is a breath of fresh air,’ Ptah effuses. “It’s hard, especially as an artist to be hopeful in these times - but I'm becoming hopeful again."
Includes unlimited streaming of Farewell to Midnight
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
...more
ships out within 7 days
Purchasable with gift card
$26USDor more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
From Eric Hilton, Godfather of downtempo electronics comes two new tracks of dub soul goodness, “Farewell to Midnight” b/w “Front Line”.
Eric Hilton’s work as a solo artist is primarily instrumental; for this release longtime collaborator Puma Ptah provided vocals and the lyrics on both tracks. Hilton and Ptah’s musical relationship goes back to the 2012 debut album by The Archives, a roots reggae project which Hilton produced, and Puma performs with. Ptah has also been a frequent guest on recordings and is a key member in Thievery Corporation’s live show.
Musically speaking, the a-side “Farewell to Midnight” delivers the laid-back groove and sparkling atmospherics that Hilton has perfected in his solo work, while Ptah’s soft and soaring voice seems to answer the question “what if Marvin Gaye made a reggae record?” It was a vocal performance that Ptah initially found challenging. “Farewell” is in a higher key than my usual range and initially I wasn’t comfortable singing like this,” said Ptah. “But Eric pushed me. I couldn’t project my voice as easily in that key, so I sang softer, it took a couple of takes and then it was comfortable.” Hilton expanded, “I love working with Puma, he has an incredible voice, he writes beautiful lyrics and brings such a good vibe to every performance. His background is in roots reggae but he’s a real soul singer. “Farewell To Midnight” is my favorite vocal performance by him, and I think we made a really great sounding record,” says Hilton.
Ptah’s questioning lyrics for “Farewell to Midnight” brilliantly contrast the musical sweetness of the record. “Life seems significantly more stressful post pandemic, everyone’s mind seems to be full of anxiety,” says Ptah. “Suffering is symbolized by midnight - midnight is gonna come no matter what, you just have to be ready for it. Things can fall apart or get dark, but good outcomes can come from that.” Ultimately, “Farewell to Midnight” acknowledges the inevitable darkness we all must contend with, but with eyes looking hopefully towards the impending dawn.
The b-side “Front Line” is Afrobeat in flavor, tough and more uptempo. Horn flourishes and a simply burning flute solo funk things up. Once again, Ptah’s draws his lyrical inspiration from the tribulations of modern life, and the will to never stop fighting. “My strength comes from community and family,” say Ptah. I may not be able to change the world, but I can try to influence and be influenced by my community. If I can be of assistance to them, that’s a realistic hope for me. Start your fight against injustices from within your community.”
The retro cover art features of juxtaposition of photographs the artists took of each other on separate occasions; the graphic design a beautiful compliment to the limited-edition green vinyl 7” that will be available for pre-order. Both artists are looking forward to fans hearing this latest chapter in their long musical working relationship. "Eric’s solo music is a breath of fresh air,’ Ptah effuses. “It’s hard, especially as an artist to be hopeful in these times - but I'm becoming hopeful again."
Farewell To Midnight b/w Front Line will be released by Montserrat House on May 12th 2023.
Includes unlimited streaming of Farewell to Midnight
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
...more
ships out within 7 days
Purchasable with gift card
$14USDor more
Streaming + Download
Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
From Eric Hilton, Godfather of downtempo electronics comes two new tracks of dub soul goodness, “Farewell to Midnight” b/w “Front Line”.
Eric Hilton’s work as a solo artist is primarily instrumental; for this release longtime collaborator Puma Ptah provided vocals and the lyrics on both tracks. Hilton and Ptah’s musical relationship goes back to the 2012 debut album by The Archives, a roots reggae project which Hilton produced, and Puma performs with. Ptah has also been a frequent guest on recordings and is a key member in Thievery Corporation’s live show.
Musically speaking, the a-side “Farewell to Midnight” delivers the laid-back groove and sparkling atmospherics that Hilton has perfected in his solo work, while Ptah’s soft and soaring voice seems to answer the question “what if Marvin Gaye made a reggae record?” It was a vocal performance that Ptah initially found challenging. “Farewell” is in a higher key than my usual range and initially I wasn’t comfortable singing like this,” said Ptah. “But Eric pushed me. I couldn’t project my voice as easily in that key, so I sang softer, it took a couple of takes and then it was comfortable.” Hilton expanded, “I love working with Puma, he has an incredible voice, he writes beautiful lyrics and brings such a good vibe to every performance. His background is in roots reggae but he’s a real soul singer. “Farewell To Midnight” is my favorite vocal performance by him, and I think we made a really great sounding record,” says Hilton.
Ptah’s questioning lyrics for “Farewell to Midnight” brilliantly contrast the musical sweetness of the record. “Life seems significantly more stressful post pandemic, everyone’s mind seems to be full of anxiety,” says Ptah. “Suffering is symbolized by midnight - midnight is gonna come no matter what, you just have to be ready for it. Things can fall apart or get dark, but good outcomes can come from that.” Ultimately, “Farewell to Midnight” acknowledges the inevitable darkness we all must contend with, but with eyes looking hopefully towards the impending dawn.
The b-side “Front Line” is Afrobeat in flavor, tough and more uptempo. Horn flourishes and a simply burning flute solo funk things up. Once again, Ptah’s draws his lyrical inspiration from the tribulations of modern life, and the will to never stop fighting. “My strength comes from community and family,” say Ptah. I may not be able to change the world, but I can try to influence and be influenced by my community. If I can be of assistance to them, that’s a realistic hope for me. Start your fight against injustices from within your community.”
The retro cover art features of juxtaposition of photographs the artists took of each other on separate occasions; the graphic design a beautiful compliment to the limited-edition green vinyl 7” that will be available for pre-order. Both artists are looking forward to fans hearing this latest chapter in their long musical working relationship. "Eric’s solo music is a breath of fresh air,’ Ptah effuses. “It’s hard, especially as an artist to be hopeful in these times - but I'm becoming hopeful again."
Farewell To Midnight b/w Front Line will be released by Montserrat House on May 12th 2023.
lyrics
Farewell To Midnight
Verse 1:
Things that I see, things that I know, has came with a steep price
And though I try and fight I fail, to release what it feels like
And all my decisions built upon a mission, to reach the unknown
Has only lead to fears and tears, drowning the seeds that were sewn
But this is only life’s dawning, and I can see through the tears and the cracks
Oh yes the light from the morning, and I can feel my soul relax
A farewell to the midnight, always and teacher and a friend
Ready myself inna de evening time cause you never know what life will recommend
Chorus:
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
Verse 2:
Your cup will runneth ova sometimes Yeahya
Betta drink yuh fill full ah sunshine Yeahya, Yeah
A farewell to the midnight, always a teacher not a friend
Ready myself inna de evening time cause you never know what life will recommend
Chorus:
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
Verse 3:
I know you try, and so do I, to believe there’s one way to
Convince the night, to pass us by, maybe not one but two
Weeks at at time, forgiving skies, with some hopeful shades of blue
But don’t deny, evening will arrive, on this final afternoon
Your cup will runneth ova sometimes Yeahya
Betta drink yuh fill full ah sunshine Yeahya, Yeah
Chorus:
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
A farewell to the midnight, Ohhh
On his stunning new album “Lost Dialect”, Eric Hilton speaks the 12-bit vernacular of trip-hop, a genre he helped birth as a
co-founder of the legendary downtempo electronic music act Thievery Corporation. Across ten expansive tracks, the artist/producer uses old-school skills to craft new school chill. The old ways remain strong. Speak the "Lost Dialect."...more
A rich and vivid meal for your ears, made by jazz heads with hip-hop sensibility and pinches of soul, blues, and gospel. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 10, 2014
