Drawing us in with an atmospheric, layered vocal performance with metaphorical prose, intertwined with a jazz-hybrid adjacent energy, with syncopated notions and a raw sense of authenticity, Steve and Dolapo open Early Morning Glow with intrigue and a notion of drama.
The lyricism is poetic, and the evolution of the track manifests drama and intrigue, as we are taken on a mildly theatrical, and wholly genre-expansive journey with the creators. The saxophone performance is transcended, and the vocal performance feels live and unfiltered, full of rawness.
Steve and Dolapo have interwoven contemporary and traditional jazz elements to bring to life a very unique and “hauntingly reflective” opus. For this song, they cite Billy Holiday, Nina Simone and Roberta Flack as references, which we can feel come to light, although there is no doubt that the duo are creating something unique unto their own.
We learn that Steve Petrinko and Dolapo Oladejo met in late 2021 and quickly became best friends, sharing over sixty years of combined choir experience. The pair also confess their extensive list of wider inspirations including Orlando Julius, Beatles, Angelique Kidjo, Bee Gees, Earth, Wind and Fire, Lionel Richie, Fela Kuti, Andrea Bocelli, David Bowie, Josh Groban, Luther Vandross, and Abba to Queen. Their production style is reminiscent of Quincy Jones, Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson.
The charming pair shared two beautiful quotes with us, aimed at each other. Steve says to Dolapo: “I want to create with you forever. Not only do I want to be 95 year old Steve calling up 86 year old Dolapo to work on a brand new song, I want to be creating with you and be best friends with you through this life and the next, for all eternity.”
Meanwhile, Dolapo says to Steve: “Our best friendship and creative partnership is Divine Providence. There is no better explanation for how we are blessed with each other.” The authenticity of this duo is unrivalled, and we have added Early Morning Glow to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream Steve and Dolapo‘s 2024 album, Companion!