'Proof of Concept' by Kudda & Friends

'Proof of Concept' marks the debut full-length from pianist K Kudda Muzic and his Kudda & Friends ensemble.

If you've been one of the loyalists who have been glued to releases via Kudda's Bandcamp page over the years then the release of 'Proof of Concept' will come as wonderful - and perhaps overdue - news.  With releases dating back to 2015, Kudda has steadily maintained a release of mixtape projects, EPs and standalone singles that openly reference his affection for a vast array of music and influences...  

'Spntaneous Cmbustion' was one of a few Kudda releases that pays homage to sampling and hip-hop, notably by way of production luminaries like Madlib and Jay Dee; the two-part 'Astromuzical' series boasted Sun Ra-level imagination with its perspectives on space and the infinite cosmos that surrounds us, while conversely, the 'Juno'/'Lie to me' double-header showcased Kudda's lush neo-soul tendencies alongside vocalist Lena Clav.

With Bandcamp presenting a variety of exceptional releases from the St Louis native, his YouTube page is also considerably worth checking out as there is an excellent mix of live performances and studio/jamming snapshots that present the musician in a more intimate and personable context.

Anything bearing the "Kudda Muzic" brand has proved its worth as an innovative and progressive musical statement but the release of 'Proof of Concept' must come with a particular sense of satisfaction as it finds the pianist and band-leader delivering the type of project that he has perhaps longed to create for some time.  

Backed by a full band that finds Kudda joined by drummer Jeremiah Long, guitarist Tyson Armond, trumpeter Josiah Burton and vocalists Noel Spiva and Lena Clav - including others amidst this expansive line-up - Kudda's music is now afforded the creative freedom to embrace even more styles as part of the band's broad repertoire.  

So much of the album's soundscapes revel within a broad sonic palette that teases a level of unpredictability while presenting a record of unadulterated focus at the same time.  The sensational high energy of '7 is the Magic Number' kicks the album off with infectious enthusiasm while the neo-soul styled numbers like 'Night Walks' and 'Juno II' shine as compelling high points for the album.

After years of making and performing music, 'Proof of Concept' feels very much like Kudda's vision realised and while the album will certainly serve as a celebratory milestone within Kudda's career, his will prove a career with an infinite amount of successes still to come.