Mothers Favorite Child

Right there – a slick groove in the form of a woman created by the vibe of a borough in New York City . . . “she was from Brooklyn, baby”. If ever a song could harness the essence of the electromagnetic undertones of a fine female, “Brooklyn Baby” would be a most excellent gesture. Even before the first lyric emerges, the swagger of the baseline lets us know we’re about to slide right into an attitude we can’t shake. It’s a warm melody in hot pursuit of an urban swing. It’s an ode to the pleasure and mystery of infatuation. By the time the inevitable “fade out” is upon us, we’re left asking ourselves “what’s the quickest way to Brooklyn?” - Review by: buySOUL - iTunes

Their songs are faultless - each one is memorable, original and very soulful. "The Difference" is gloriously old-fashioned and "Until Now" is wonderful in all its simplicity. These songs are beautiful - as essential as anything by Jill Scott or Jaguar Wright. - Reveiew by: Joe Lickens CD Baby

Every so often over the last 2 years, I have heard songs by Mother's Favorite Child, one of my favorite indie groups on mp3.com before its demise. Their lineup seems to have changed a bit since I first heard the band, but their approach to music has not: a throwback to the earthy, authentic soul/R&B we used to take for granted back in the day. When I hear MFC, I remember loving artists like Rufus and Sly Stone and Bill Withers. The instruments and the feelings are all authentic, the lyrics are interesting and creative and the vocals are something special, not trying to overwhelm me with flash or power but trying to communicate with me and get me to feel something. The arrangements are jazzy and a little loose, tight enough to let me know they are pros while improvisatory enough to let me know each performance is unique.

When listening to a live performance of a song, it is helpful to have heard a studio recording first, to get a good sense of how the song was composed, and then to be able to judge how well the live version preserves and enhances the song's qualities. Fortunately for me, MFC's website includes a demo version of "Gently", along with the lyrics, and this is a lovely song. With some very sweet harmonies over a slow-mid tempo light jazzy groove, the song describes the surreal, other-worldly feeling of being in love and the willingness to take the big risk of floating high without a safety net: "I’m high in the sky/ And I fear I won’t know how to land/ If my insecurities get the best of me/ Keep me in flight/ And if I must come down/ Please please, let it be gently." The song's lyrical poetry is delivered on this demo with a lilting, soulful style, allowing the rhythms of the words to tumble along and not be constricted or stifled.

All of which brings us to the live performance at S.O.B.'s. Here the simple demo arrangement has been fleshed out nicely, beginning with some very tasteful jazz sax and trombone unison work. The two female vocalists (lead and harmony) do a beautiful job delivering the song with a spontaneous, organic feel, with all of its nuances and harmonies intact. A Bob James-like electric piano solo follows, and then we return to the chorus, and MFC brings us back to Earth gently.

As is generally the case with live recordings, this one is not as crisp as it would have been in a recording studio, but there are no significant problems I could point out. The mix and the recording quality are both better than most live indie recordings I have heard.

MFC is apparently very comfortable in a live setting, as evidenced by the band's ability to deliver a subtle and delicate composition so gracefully on stage. I look forward to a future opportunity to hear this band in concert and I encourage you to do so also. - Review by: Chris Aranosian Gods of Music Magazine