Fifteen Years Later: Sketches of a Man by Dwele

We revisit Dwele's Sketches of a Man fifteen years later.

When evaluating Dwele's music, there are two perspectives to consider. Some fans may prefer that he continues to produce music in a similar style to his previous work, while others may hope that he takes more risks and explores new creative directions now that he has gained more recognition as an artist. Sketches of a Man focuses on catering to the latter.

This is the fourth project and debut album for Koch Records by an artist specializing in creating smooth, jazz-influenced music. The album features mellow tones and is considered a high work. There were signs of vocal growth in the artist's falsetto, which can be heard in the song "Open Your Eyes." Over the years, Dwele's growth has been most notable in his live performances rather than his recordings.

Dwele's music has evolved over time. On his 2008 album, the artist's sound is more consistent compared to his previous release, Some Kinda. Dwele is a musician who plays multiple instruments and arranges music. He has a background in jazz and incorporates brass and percussion into his music, although he uses these elements in a limited way.

The artist occasionally incorporates sing-flow into his music, such as on the track "Travelin' Girl." Still, he seems to prioritize his signature vocal style over this technique compared to his past albums. The music group Slum Village is featured on the track "Brandi," there is an apparent reference to street culture in "Body Rock." However, compared to his previous successful album, Subject, the current project has fewer hip-hop elements. The album features some minor changes, but the artist's style and sound remain consistent overall.

Dwele's musical style follows a consistent pattern, evident on Sketches. The production at this location is consistently polished and sophisticated. Dwele uses supporting vocals in doubles and harmonies to create a specific mood in his music. His sing-talk phrasing adds a hip element to the overall sound. The instrumentation is skillfully executed, although it is typically understated.

The lyrics in the sketchbook are inconsistent, with some focusing on love and coming across as immature. The catchphrase "make it do what it do," coined by Ray Charles, is featured twice on the same album. The user suggests that the poetry in the artist's latest work is not as insightful or revealing as in their previous classics such as "Subject," "Old Lovas," "Weekend Love," "I Think I Love You," or the memorable hook from "Tainted."

Dwele's fans may notice a shift in his artistic style when listening to certain songs. Specifically, when Dwele steps out of his comfort zone, his music takes on a different tone, even if it's just a little bit. The vocal performance by Dwele on the cover of Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes" is considered one of his best-recorded performances.

The song "I'm Sorry (Wake the Musical Baby)" is a piano ballad with a sweet and jazzy feel. It is reminiscent of the music created by Bill Lee, the father of filmmaker Spike Lee, for Spike's early films. "Feels So Good" is the only radio-ready single on the album, although "I'm Cheatin'" is lyrically clever. "Body Rock" is a lively song that could be a great opening for a live performance. Additionally, Dwele's talented band enhances the experience with impressive musical skills.

The spotlight tunes are not commonly featured. Sketches have a consistent style that some may find repetitive. Sketches have a flow where the songs blend into each other with minimal variation in keys or vocals. The album's 21 tracks lack standout elements, which is a significant concern. Others emulate Dwele's earlier works, even though his approach to soul music influences contemporary artists such as Jesse Boykins III and Peter Hadar. It appears that the teacher has taken on the role of a student.

The lack of growth, development, or stagnation may only sometimes be a positive thing. Dwele's music is known for its discreet and sophisticated style, making it a popular choice for those looking to relax, smoke, or set a romantic mood. The reasons why people love Miles, Coltrane, Hodges, and Nelson generations before are the same reasons why people love the music now.

Dwele's music caters to a generation that may not have been exposed to jazz legends such as Roy Ayers, Bobby Humphrey, or Pharoah Sanders, except through their inclusion in hip hop samples. If the listeners had paid closer attention, they might have noticed that Dwele is transitioning into a jazz fusionist producer and musician who occasionally performs as a soul singer.