The debut album from Lenny Harold The Journal of Wonders: Tale of a Phoenix in a Moon Labyrinth has a long name-but that's probably because Harold has a lot to say. From beginning to end The Journal of Wonders is a musical journey to a funk outer space that is so outside of the box Harold's R&B counterparts dance and sing in. Harold manages to meld so many sounds into one album that it's otherworldly. Each track seamlessly transitions from one to the other with Harold's striking falsetto giving a smooth, sultry tone. Honestly, I couldn't get past Helpless. The track is synthesized voices scrambling over a murmuring backbeat about unrequited love. Harold's voice is best on The Phoenix Cry that moves from piano ballad to a soaring rock declaration. Harold pays homage to his many influences while making them distinctly his own in what he calls hybrid soul. The Journal of Wonders is intense funk on There It Is; dance-pop on Couture; and bossa nova on Understand Me yet, nothing is out of place for Harold. The production is just as innovative as the vocal sounds that are placed over it. On Journal of Wonders, Harold is doing a lot but he can handle it. Listeners will be getting a mystical earful and you better hold on tight because Harold is going...going...gone.

http://lennyharold.bandcamp.com