Q (6/00, p.108) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Delivers strong vocals and flawless harmonies....The arrangements are measured and uncluttered and nimbly offset the duo's lyrical dexterity....A thoughful and assured debut."
Muzik (2/00, p.89) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...their musical outlook stands way above the mediocre crass and mundane direction that the so-called nu soul has taken. Pushing black music beyond the pop, these 2 laydeez [Tracey Moore and Tina Martinez] are way out in front of the rest of the field..."
The Source (11/99, p.237) - "...as poetic as it is relevant to everyday life and love."
Rap Pages (12/99, pp.151-2) - "...completely impressive and worthy....The duo demonstrate an infectious soul and jazz sensibility weaned on Hip-Hop that elevates their music to a level in which they have few peers." - Rating: B+
This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
Jazzyfatnastees: Mercedes Martinez, Tracey Moore (vocals).
Additional personnel includes: Chuck Treece (guitar, bass); Scott Storch (Fender Rhodes piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, keyboards, programming); Leonard "Hub" Hubbard (bass); Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drums).
Producers include: Scott Storch, Tracey Moore, Anyhony Tidd.
Engineers include: Jon Smeltz, David Ivory, Jim Caruana.
Recorded at Sony Music, New York, New York; Ivory, The Studio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.
With their debut effort, THE ONCE AND FUTURE, the Jazzyfatnastees brought a fresh sound to an oversaturated R&B market. Singers Mercedes Martinez and Tracey Moore are skilled songwriters who bring a perfect blend of soul and jazz to make each song interesting and different. Backup band the Roots lend their unique sounds to the proceedings as well.
Songs like "The Wound," "How Sad," and "The Lie" marry the funk of the Roots and the beautiful harmonies of Martinez and Moore. There are also a number of sparkling ballads on THE ONCE AND FUTURE. Tracks like "Breakthrough," "Sail the Seas," and "Hear Me" offer up a glimpse at their dynamic songwriting range. THE ONCE AND FUTURE is a gem among a pile of rocks.