Ranie Ribeiro - Contemplation (Self Release)

Ranie Ribeiro is an interesting, shape shifting artist. Initially using the D-Ribeiro moniker he carved out a solid reputation for his bumping deep house, nu-disco and club ready beats for some notable labels. So it's quite the metamorphosis from party starter to harpist and composer, but he could just well be onto something, and let's face it who wants to be the oldest person in the club?

Reflection and personal growth aren't traits necessarily associated with club raised producers, but Ribeiro's been decreasing the tempo and energy levels in recent years, culminating in this aptly named album, Contemplation, his first harp record.

The recordings are an unassuming bunch of compositions, making no real attempt to grab attention, content with just existing, almost ignorable in their modesty, but certainly setting a wonderful background vibe for whatever life is demanding of you, although hopefully you'll press play during a brief respite, when you can sink into the LP's warm embrace and let the celestial sounds carry you where they will.

The real stand out tune though is, "Freeform" which enlists the seductive spoken words of Sydney Lowell, who despite her measured delivery and patiently delivered wisdom, inspires Ribeiro to deeper spiritual realms and makes this the most stirring, attention grabbing tune on the LP; perhaps suggesting that in the future a more collaborative - whether with (wo)man or machine, could be a real differentiator to elevate his solid harp playing over the stiff, classical competition and bring him out of the background to front and centre.

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Playlist Companion

Find Ribeiro adding some celestial grace to the Slow Jazz Playlist.