Philadelphia native Dahi Divine is eager to tell his story on his upcoming Soundsmith project. Divine has explored his artistry in the past as a tenor saxophonist, jazz composer and bandleader, but now he’s venturing into hip-hop, starting with “Sway My Way.”
Divine’s musical pedigree is evident from the outset of the track, which actually begins with a snippet of “Outro,” a funky piano movement with a buoyant, irresistible melody. Apparently “Outro” is the second in a three-part movement set to be on Soundsmith. “Sway My Way” carries on the good vibes, as Divine succeeds in his effort to craft a “lively, soulful”jazz-influenced soundscape. He flows like a seasoned vet on the track’s bouncy, frenetic drum programming, melodically reflecting on “the flux of emotion” that comes with meeting the right person. Gabriel Wolf and Jill Ryan augment the track with impassioned vocals.
“Sway My Way” is a strong introduction to Soundsmith, who says via e-mail is about “the story of finding my way as a saxophonist and composer in New York and moving back home in Philly to pursue my dreams, surrounded by family and ‘day one’ supporters.”
Pretty soon, he’ll be surrounded by more than “day ones.” Soundsmith doesn’t have a release date, but in the meantime you can stream “Sway My Way” below.
