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Healing the rift
In the past, D'angelo admits his relationship with his father was "not good". They didn't talk much and had few discernible issues to discuss between them.
However, D'angelo is a more mellowed and understanding person these days, and both he and his father make conscious efforts to see one another as much as possible.
Becoming a parent
D'angelo has children with Angie Stone, with whom he has been seeing for some time. Both have collaborated on numerous projects, including a track with Vertical Hold, which was Angie's group before she went on to pursue her solo career.
A spell is cast
His new LP, Voodoo, has taken five years to record, in which time certain things have changed for D'angelo - most notably his departure from Kedar Management to the Virgin label.
It's very much a groove-oriented album, with hints of Al Green and The Ohio Players evident throughout the recording.
Moreover, after listening to it a few times, I guarentee that Voodoo will crawl its way into your mind, weave a web, and cast a serious spell upon the listener's perspective psyche.
Recording at Electric Ladyland
A tight and conflicting schedule forced D'angelo to record Voodoo at Jimi Hendrixs' Electric Ladyland studio in New York - the 70's vibe definitely being evident throughout the set.
Listening to Voodoo you will also notice strong influences by the legendary musician Fela Kuti, of whom D'angelo admires consummately
Working with the best
D'angelo is very experimental with his sound and did not succumb in following up Brown Sugar with a similar melody - instead giving the public something different in a sound to grow with.
After all, without musical creativity and individuality, how can anyone ever hope to become a classic artist? Which, incidentally, many (including myself) believe D'angelo to be.
Joining D'angelo on this journey were a group of players that he has labelled the best musicians in the business. "I love to play", he states. (He plays drums, keyboards, guitar and bass on Voodoo). "And what's more, I wanted to work with people who love to play, too."
The end result? A sheer masterpiece in Neo Soul history!
