Song of the Day: Malik Alston, Painted Pictures - Air

Detroit-based musician and performer Malik Alston released his first new single Air from his vibrant album Malik Alston Presents Painted Pictures: Air set for release via The Jazz Diaries. The album is a spirited celebration between jazz virtuosity and Motor City house music, showcasing Alston’s roots in Jazz, Gospel, Soul and Dance Music.

Alston’s story is one that is intrinsically aligned with the story of Detroit itself. Having hosted one of the first Slum Village concerts, and taught vocal lessons to many members of the Detroit music community. His production and writing collaborations read like a who’s who of Detroit artists including Alton Miller, Amp Fiddler, Roy Davis Jr. & Javonntte and releases on Moodymann’s Mahogani Music to name a few. Malik’s mastery also earned him a nomination as 2005 Outstanding Electronic/Dance Writer Producer of the Year at the Detroit Music Awards. His poetry and music performances have been featured with the poetry troupe EmRuop and in concert with The Last Poets, Gil Scott-Heron and Jessica Care Moore.

Listen to Malik Alston & Painted Pictures new single Air, from his forthcoming album Malik Alston presents Painted Pictures:Air:

The immaculate and vivacious qualities of the LP convey a message steeped in the spirit. As intricate piano melodies run deep, dancing around impressive percussive motifs, creating seamless foundations for saxophone and trumpet performances. Every now and then, captivating vocal riffs surprise listeners adding just another sensational layer to the arrangements.

Presenting a collection of long-lost tracks created by Malik and his band Painted Pictures, Alston manifests strong emotions for the LP’s title track Air. As he explains: When I think of Air... for me, it exists to express a combination of freedom, self-awareness, and doing something different and new. In Air you get to really hear the band as a whole, no one stands out individually. It was all a matter of showing that we brought the music to life together as a unit. Air is definitely a true reflection of what Painted Pictures was: free musicians who play good music.

Watch the video below of Malik Alston & Painted Pictures new single Air, from his forthcoming album Malik Alston presents Painted Pictures:Air: