Zoned In (Ernest Sears Jr), trained at the famed New Orleans Center for Creative
Arts, is a very accomplished singer/songwriter and multi- instrumentalist in the style
of artists like Steve Wonder, Luther Vandross and John Legend. This EP/mini album
Dream Again comprises six tracks of consistently strong songwriting that showcase
his knowledge of musical harmony and voicing.
Prodigal Friend is a nice introductory song, a mellow ballad slightly reminiscent of
Stevie Wonder’s All In Love Is Fair with some lovely jazzy chord changes. It also
features some nice Flamenco-style guitar that adds to the timbre. I liked the climbing
modulation and overall it showcases his vocal range and warm, rich tone nicely.
Brother is another great song on the subject of friendship and the truth that ‘it’s no
good without brotherhood’. This is a songwriter who understands that music is a
potent spiritual force, and Brother has another powerful lead vocal, though could be a
little higher in the mix.
You Frustrate Me is another well-written song with Wonder-esque chord changes and
a very catchy chorus, though I would like to have heard the backing vocals louder in
this one, as they are great and part of the ‘hook’.
Veni Vidi Vici is an upbeat and funky track with some great virtuosic keyboard lines
running through it that sound close to electric guitar, giving it almost a rocky edge. As
often, the backing harmonies have a strong gospel influence which aids the uplifting
nature of the lyrics.
Come Back begins unusually with a spoken word intro which gives a sense of warmth
and personality, before progressing into another well written song about the wanted
return of a loved one, featuring some remarkable falsetto singing.
Last track Kiana’s Song (Anniversary) is a nice finale, a heartfelt love song to his wife
with some stunning harmonies, and a moving lyric about how they have ‘rose above
the storm’ to find lasting happiness.
From a production perspective, commercial potential could be improved by a little
polishing as some tracks are slightly uneven rhythmically and it would be nice to hear
some of the rich vocals more upfront at times. There can be no doubting the quality of
the songwriting and musicianship though, and with John Legend currently riding high
with All of Me, it shows now is a good time for this style of well-crafted pop/soul
music.
