Ornamental

Released in late 2023, 'Ornamental' represents a pivot for Terrace Martin toward a more focused, 'quiet storm' jazz aesthetic. While Martin is often celebrated for his role as a bridge between Kendrick Lamar's hip-hop and the LA jazz scene, this album strips away the grit of boom-bap in favor of lush, romantic arrangements. The track titles - such as 'Hot Chocolate' and 'Cinnamon Spice' - suggest a domestic, cozy theme that the music reinforces through its warm analog production and slow-tempo grooves. Clocking in at nine tracks, the album functions as a suite of moods rather than a collection of singles. It showcases Martin's versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, particularly his ability to use the saxophone as a vocal surrogate. Critics have noted the album's ability to feel both timeless and contemporary, fitting into the lineage of CTI Records' smooth fusion while maintaining the sophisticated harmonic language of modern nu jazz.