Soul Juice

Released in March 2020, Soul Juice represents a pivot toward the 'wellness' side of Terrace Martin's expansive musical output. While Martin is often celebrated for his dense, collaborative work with Kendrick Lamar and the West Coast Get Down, this project is a lean, instrumental affair that highlights his skills as a melodicist and mood-setter. The album consists of five tracks, most hovering around the two-minute mark, suggesting a suite of musical ideas rather than extended improvisations. Sonically, it leans heavily into the 'nu jazz' aesthetic, blending the harmonic sophistication of jazz with the rhythmic sensibilities of contemporary R&B and downtempo. The recording is characterized by its warmth and intimacy, favoring dry, close-mic'd instruments that create a 'living room' feel. Critically, it is viewed as a companion piece to his other short-form instrumental projects, cementing his role as a bridge between the jazz tradition and modern lifestyle-oriented listening habits.