Georgia Anne Muldrow

Rarely a month goes by that Georgia Anne Muldrow doesn't produce a song, mixtape or even a full-length album. Her debut on Ubiquity opens the book on her life circa early to mid-2009. There's much Obama optimism, advice to the next generation and, occasionally, as in the heart-wrenching title track in tribute to Michael Jackson, a profound sense of loss. Once again playing just about everything herself, she just keeps refining her brand of future funk. This album's sound is more concise in some respects than Umsindo, though there are a few songs that could stand to fade out 30 seconds sooner. But there's so much to love on this album: her unique sense of swing; her incredible hooks on keyboards; her spacey but assured vocals; and her alchemical yet playful sparring with partner Dudley Perkins (aka Declaime). Later in the album she spazzes out a bit with some pop punk and quirky electronics, but it's a welcome curveball thrown at the listener.