Kindred the Family Soul

Lovers of grown folks music are rejoicing these days because Kindred is back with a superb new album called "In This Life Together" on Hidden Beach Recordings. The new record is more personal and mature than their impressive 2003 debut, "Surrender to Love." Philadelphia-based husband and wife singer/songwriters Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon are the thirty something generation's first couple of contemporary soul, making beautiful music together about the joys and challenges of being married, raising children, and continuing the tradition of social consciousness and activism of artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, the husband and wife actor/activists for whom the album is dedicated.

Highlights of this solid set include "Thru Love" a head bopping joint that chronicles the journey of their relationship, "Woman First," a stunning, honest ballad about a wife and mother's struggle to juggle her many demands, "Sneak A Freak," a funky answer to Fatin's memorable line about fitting in intimacy from their first album's hit "Far Away," "Message to Marvin" a modern take on Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On," "Struggle No More" a sing along midtempo track with India.Arie, and the first single, "Where Would I Be (The Question)," a classic groove which contemplates one's life without their true love.

Kindred's ability to bridge the gap between the hooking up and breaking up songs that have overtaken commercial radio is both refreshing and necessary. "In This Life Together" tells Aja and Fatin's story of love, forgiveness, hope, and gratitude over soulful grooves, funky cuts, and beautifully stripped down ballads.

Aja and Fatin spoke recently about their new record, the real-life inspirations behind the songs, and being part of Philly's new soul movement during the heyday of the Black Lily.

For more information about Kindred the Family Soul, click here.

Kindred the Family Soul artist page at SoulTracks.com