Returning last year - a full decade on from his edgy, sprawling Shortlist Prize nominated 2002 debut, The Headphone Masterpiece – with what the Evening Standard described ‘a pretty spectacular comeback’, Cody ChesnuTT’s second album Landing On A Hundredmore than lived up to the weight of expectation.
And in September last year Cody received an especially rapturous welcome at a sold out solo show at The Jazz Café and was back later with his 5-piece band of elite players to play live shows including outstanding performances on Later with Jools Holland and The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show.
Since then he has toured the album around the world (currently in Australia – for updates see www.cchesnutt.com/) and is set to release a final single from Landing On A Hundred entitled I’ve Been Life, an exuberant chant celebration of Africa that encapsulates the joyous spirit of the album. You can watch the accompanying video HERE
The title Landing On A Hundred is a reference to the slang saying, “Keeping It One Hundred,” or telling the whole truth, and for lovers of true blue Southern soul Cody’s new album is a must-have — the rhythm tracks recorded with a ten-piece band in Memphis-based Royal Studios, the sonic birthplace of some of the deepest works by soul and blues luminaries like Al Green, Buddy Guy and Ike & Tina Turner. “Nothing has changed,” Cody says. “The down-home acoustic treatments are still in place.”
Praise for Landing On A Hundred
“Lone soul genius Cody ChesnuTT is in dazzling form…Echoes of Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and Al Green, his soaring tenor multi-tracked over strings, funk guitar, subtle horns and darker organ shadings” ***** The Independent
“Proves his elevated reputation well justified with a slinky, soft and sensual series of songs.” ****Daily Mirror
“Plenty of soul classicism in the rich melodies and bruised vocals but Cody’s thrilling unorthodoxy remains.” **** Q
“A compelling, coherent and charming soul sound echoing Marvin Gaye’s 70’s purple patch” **** Mojo
“A classy collection of retro 1970’s soul” **** Financial Times
“Vintage soul that rolls magnificently on the ear” The Observer