Terrace Martin & Alex Isley Drop New Album “I Left My Heart In Ladera”
Today, 5x Grammy® nominated artist and producer Terrace Martin has unveiled his latest project, I Left My Heart In Ladera, with distinguished vocalist Alex Isley (from the hit “Good & Plenty” feat. Masego, Lucky Daye, Jack Dine) via the Sounds of Crenshaw / BMG partnership. In his role as a masterful curator and producer, the project is a seamless continuation of Terrace Martin’s own legacy and the enduring power of R&B and jazz music. Serving as a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant neighborhoods of Ladera and Crenshaw in Los Angeles, the album stands as an extension of the Black culture, intellect, art, and global influences that originated there.
The opening track and lead single on the album, an illuminating cover of Sade’s “Paradise,” transcends mere nomenclature. It’s a musical journey into a state of euphoria brought on by Martin’s creative genius and Isley’s silky vocals. Bringing “Paradise” to life in a highly stylized music video directed by child. (Doja Cat, Post Malone, H.E.R), with broadcast premieres on MTV and BET, Martin has drawn on both familiar renowned voices and fresh talent to shape the album’s distinctive sound. Notable contributions from jazz greats like Robert Glasper and Paul Cornish, leave an indelible impression on the tracks they grace. Martin’s signature meditative qualities and enticing R&B and Soul capabilities presents itself in the transformative nature of every composition on the project, offering an unforgettable experience.
I Left My Heart In Ladera, comes just shortly after Terrace’s last album, Nova, a joint project with the illustrious James Fauntleroy. The album garnered press praise from BET, Hot New Hip Hop, Hypebeast, VIBE, and more. Prior to that was the release of Curly, another jazz-inspired album that “represented the spirit” of Martin’s father. Lined with musicians old and new, Curly received press love in Forbes, Hypebeast, BET, XXL Mag, and more. Martin’s first offering in this ongoing series of jazz releases, Fine Tune, that dropped in June, showcased the artist’s effortless command, leading with charisma and his second-to-none musical instincts. In notable press from The New York Times, XXL, The Source, The Fader, and more, the album was praised by VIBE as having “meticulously created, romantic tunes,” most attributed to Martin’s genius.
For over a decade, Martin has been a driving force in the realm of contemporary music. A jazz prodigy, Martin’s artistic prowess transcended boundaries, ultimately leading him into the music industry. His debut album, “The Demo,” made waves in 2010 cementing his status as a stellar producer and rapper. Since that seminal release, Martin has established a prolific career, marked by collaborations with an illustrious roster of artists, including Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Kurupt, Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Wilson, Puff Daddy, Ab-Soul, Herbie Hancock, Travis Scott, Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder, and many others. Among Martin’s most notable achievements is his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, which culminated in their joint efforts on the Grammy-nominated albums “good kid, m.A.A.d city” and “To Pimp a Butterfly.” Martin’s latest release, “DRONES,” from 2021, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album.
Photo Credit of Terrace Martin & Alex Isley : Samantha Whitehead