M3 represents an end and a beginning for Jeff Townes. It completes the Magnificent trilogy the DJ and producer started in 2002 and continued in 2007, and it's his first headlining release as a fully independent artist on his own Playlist Music label, established in 2017 with the Playlist's Chasing Goosebumps. Like that album,
M3 is a natural byproduct of the artist retreats Townes has hosted to facilitate fellowship and collaboration. Here he showcases a multi-generational core vocal trio dubbed the Trinity: veteran blue-collar MC
Rhymefest, grounded younger rapper Dayne Jordan, and the even younger Uhmeer, a mellifluous singer/rapper who happens to be Townes' son. The material is powered by live instrumentation -- the greater attraction -- from musicians including Kaidi Tatham, James Poyser, Daniel Crawford, Stro Elliot, and the group
Killiam Shakespeare. It's in tune with Townes' aesthetic, predominantly mellow but invigorating grooves with diversions into post-bop jazz, funk, straight hip-hop, and house, and occasionally laced with the man's distinctive scratching. The Trinity act as a true group, complementing one another, dishing out a mix of wisdom, good times, and pointed observations. While their MC'ing is central to
M3, drop-ins from
Aaron Camper and
Masego should connect instantly with those who fell hardest for the uptempo moments of the R&B-oriented Playlist LP. Townes will always be known first and foremost as a pioneering turntablist and DJ, but this affirms that his ability to gather and arrange compatible talent verges on wizardly. ~ Andy Kellman