Douglas Ray Jaffe Project “Angels” (EP)

Angles – by the Douglas Ray Jaffe Project, is the EP which contains four epic, poeticized tracks, with each one featuring a different vocalist to get Jaffe’s lyrics out over music produced by Emmy-nominated Craig Brandwein, and the musicians and singers all come from the Alabama area. The music is heavily piano driven with modern pop and classical inflections, which makes for some haunting and deeply thoughtful pieces with world class vocals to convey Jaffe’s words. Consisting of Drey Arnold, Mollie Flote-Mersch, Natalie Kasper, and Bob Schneider, each singer provides a compelling voice to put the icing on the cake of Jaffe’s latest project.

URL: https://www.douglasrayjaffeproject.com/

These songs all bring something to talk about to the table, whether you’re into real music of this quality or not, there’s nothing on the Angles EP that isn’t worth a pleasant listen. Several moods are covered, giving the whole release just enough variety without losing the points of Jaffe’s lyrics. The contrast between the first and final cut is naturally due to Bob Schneider’s vocals and the nature of the song, but it starts off with Drey Arnold’s spectacular opener “Paychecks And Dreams” with Arnold lighting the way on the exquisitely brooding ballad about getting by.

“Brooklyn Eyes” follows in the same vein with Mollie Flote-Mersch making the only contrast with her completely different voice singing Jaffe’s lyrics, and even though it runs almost four minutes it comes in goes in what seems like no time. If I were to pick between the first and second track, it would go the second, but it doesn’t mean one is better than the other, as these are all brilliant tunes with everyone turning in outstanding parts. The musicianship and studio performances can’t be denied a mention for what they bring to Jaffe’s band, as well as the unmistaken sound of Craig Brandwein’s engineering.

Next up is Natalie Kasper on “To Pass” which follows more of an outdoorsy and folksy vibe, with yet another shining vocal performance taking Jaffe’s lyrics another step forward. The sound of her voice is most desirable and probably my favorite moment on the Angles EP, but it’s still subject to change at this early in the mix. This is also the most unique vocal point of the four tracks, although the final (as mentioned) puts another spin on things with male vocals suddenly entering the picture and closing the latest Douglas Ray Jaffe book of words and music.

APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/angles-ep/1825217205

“Today’s Forecast… Anything Goes” finds Bob Schnieder bringing an entirely different twist with a song about the rapid changes always going on in the world from way back to current affairs and events. With pop being one element of the Angles EP, this final track follows more of a rock pattern, with the guitars plugged in and Schneider putting on a southern rock influenced hat and telling the old story like it is today. I’m not sure how strategically placed it is in the set, as it could just as well be the second or third track, but it also ends things perfectly and leaves you wanting more of the Douglas Ray Jaffe Project.

Mark Druery