About the Recording
Brent Birckhead, the multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, and composer, presents CACAO—an album that chronicles his journey of expansion and self-reclamation. This 9-track sophomore release serves as a testament to his evolution as both an artist and a person.
Born amidst the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, CACAO reached completion as societies around the globe emerged from their collective hibernation. Four years after his eponymous solo debut, this harmonious masterpiece represents Birckhead's courageous decision to forge a new path guided by the rhythmic beat of his heart. It is an album engineered to inspire those brave enough to create their own road as they walk it, and Birckhead ensures that the path he has paved is impossibly smooth.
During the historic pandemic and the ensuing solitude of quarantine, the Downbeat Award-winning artist chose to abandon the geographic and stylistic elements that once defined his musical identity. In a spiritual and physical exodus from New York City, he rediscovered his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.
In this unexpected journey, Birckhead found a wellspring of growth. The forced isolation refined his creative process, transforming him into a one-man band driven by a relentless pursuit of productivity, experimentation, and dynamism—reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's growth during the TONTO era.
Equipped with analog instruments, samplers, and an array of digital tools, Birckhead embarked on an ambitious approach to improvisation and solo arranging. This path required him to embrace discomfort in order to achieve true artistic maturation.
As Birckhead explains, "Sometimes, we find ourselves clinging to habits and experiences that no longer serve us, instead of embracing the discomfort that accompanies growth."
A studio overhaul provided him with a streamlined workflow, enabling him to become a more prolific composer and giving him the confidence to operate as both maestro and accompanist within a single record. Simultaneously, his physical relocation allowed for the deepening of personal relationships with immediate family members and the community that had supported him since childhood.
CACAO draws from the profound growth experienced during these endeavors. Opening with "There's Salt In The Honey," Birckhead references the bitterness that precedes life's sweetest moments. In this case, relinquishing his identity as a New Yorker playing on some of the city's grandest stages were a challenging pill to swallow. However, it paved the way for a reclamation of identity just a few hours down the turnpike.
Throughout the album, contrasting sensations of sourness and sweetness symbolize the symbiotic relationship necessary for achieving balance in all aspects of life. Birckhead's saxophone cuts through in tracks like "Late Breakfast," alluding to the disciplined approach to early mornings that aided his personal homeostasis. Meanwhile, "Headspace" serves as a rapturous meditation on the anxiety experienced during challenging times, racing to capture the light at the end of the tunnel.
Birckhead's identity finds its place in 'Skyline,' an homage to his former home of New York City. Featuring Christie Dashiell, Mic Renaissance, and his wife, Christian, the song encapsulates the iconic view of the city's skyline that Birckhead left behind upon departing from his East Harlem residence with panoramic views of the Bronx. The sticky melody, inspired by the birthplace of hip-hop, is counterbalanced by razor-sharp bars, emphasizing the art form's chameleonic ability to adapt to any arrangement—a trait mirrored by Birckhead himself.
The title track, "CACAO" (The Main Ingredient), exudes an overwhelming sense of coolness. This smooth and sweet composition marks the formal debut of Birckhead's enveloping signature sound. With a bright fanfare of woodwinds and a dense funk bass line, the song mirrors the complex yet addictive flavor profile of its namesake. The versatility of Birckhead's musicianship shines throughout the entire album, creating a cohesive body of work.
Closing with the exclamation, "that's the one!" Birckhead's observation about the track also applies to the album as a whole. With each track, he raises the bar and pushes boundaries.
In "Ging Gang Gong Goong,"the bass takes the lead ahead of Birckhead's horns. The track derives its name from the pronunciation of the bass line, which serves as its main theme. It pairs a simple melody with a dramatic ending, adding a touch of cinematic flair. Within this alternate universe, levitating arpeggios and bright stabs play hide and seek in the depths of a rich bottom register. Birckhead demonstrates his prowess as a master orchestrator, allowing the music to speak for itself. The song's title becomes an unforgettable refrain, immortalizing its essence.
“Cold Fried Chicken,” is about letting the sound marinate, however enticing it may be at first listen. In Birckhead’s estimation, certain things taste better the second day once the ingredients have had time to meld. Here, he applies that ethos to a well-seasoned cut that throws back to the iconic sound of Blaxploitation era funk with a lyrical performance. The result is food for the soul.
Birckhead explores his artistic gifts on “Who Is It? (Who It Is).” Christie Dashiell accompanies Birckhead in a melodic interplay that elevates the art of trading. Her performance recalls Flora Purim’s iconic imprint upon the Return to Forever catalog and the melodic weft of voice and guitar that defined the sound of Pat Metheny Group.
Further embracing infectious rhythms, Birckhead pays tribute to 90s R&B giants with "Jodeci." Inspired by the namesake track and Baltimore natives Dru Hill, this composition replicates the distinctive style of quartet singing that defined the era. A textured blend of gospel runs, tight harmonies, and captivating percussion captures the essence of classic "please, baby, please" ballads. The seamless fusion of early influences with bold new statements showcases Birckhead's ability to find his artistic home on CACAO—the first chapter of his artistic renaissance.
Brent Birckhead attributes the recent outgrowth of his sound to a complete acceptance of his gifts and a newfound willingness to speak openly about them Birckhead puts it simply, “When someone asks who you are, you have to tell them without reservation.” Playing multiple flutes, saxophones, bass clarinet, keyboards and programming pads, Brent Birckhead delivers a deeply personal body of work –– one that illuminates the rise of a bonafide leader and clarifies the depth of his talent. When he plays, there’s no mistaking exactly who it is.
"I’ve learned that inspiration doesn't simply come to you; you have to create the right environment and put in the work to be ready when it arrives. This album marked the first time I approached my work in that way. It's been a journey of self-discovery, and I sense a significant change within myself. I feel like a completely new person, with recognizable growth and a newfound energy, partly influenced by the pandemic. No one knew what the future held; it was a time of immense uncertainty. But what I did know is that I wouldn't stop creating. I had to find a way to discover new avenues for creativity and in turn, I found boundless expression. I've improved and evolved. I feel like I'm entering a new season of my life," said Birckhead.
With CACAO, Brent Birckhead invites listeners on a transformative musical journey. It is an album that encapsulates his evolution, passion, and resilience—a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft and his unyielding spirit in the face of uncertainty. | 
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