The keen reader might remember the soulful and eclectic music of the intriguing project FatCat Affair, a musical endeavour headed by a real, groovy cat – or so we are told (wink wink). Following up from ‘Up at Dawn’, FatCat Affair is now back with his first release of the year, ‘I Wonder’ a soul and funk-laced gem with surprisingly poignant lyricism, sung by evocative singer Costie Payne.
There’s a strong contrast between the upbeat nature of the instrumental and the tragic, introspective nature of the storytelling, inspired by real-life events. As FatCat Affair explains, ‘I Wonder’ is a story about an old band, and the meeting with a talented singer named Olivia Bellerose. Olivia falls in love with Nicoli (the band’s pianist), but he is married and cannot reciprocate. After playing an emotional concert, Olivia is found dead the next morning, and the band eventually splits up. FatCat and Payne wonder what would have happened if Nicoli had not been married and Olivia and Nicoli had gotten together.
Gospel-style harmonies help the track connects to Olivia’s remembrance, as the two talented jazzmen work through grief and memories, celebrating what’s been lost with honour and wisdom. The record was produced in Riga, featuring an appearance from younger members of the Riga Cathedral Choir School. FatCat invited other musicians on board to help arrange and polish the track, adding new sections and a drum track. The result is a truly unique and powerful piece of music that transcends borders and genres.
Recommended! Discover ‘I Wonder’ on Spotify:
