Terrace Martin and Channel Tres Gracefully Clash in New Single “Chucks”
It’s a busy week for jazz master producer Terrace Martin. His 2021 album, DRONES, is nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at Sunday’s 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Not only that, he’s decided to drop a new single, “Chucks,” with groovy Compton artist/producer Channel Tres.
“Chucks” is an ode to Los Angeles, the nebulous city that raised this never-before-seen duo. Martin’s production is consistently funky and clean, but this single nails those marks further. By using easy-going bongos and a contrasting bass line (provided by Ty Dolla $ign), Martin illustrates the tempos of an urban setting. The hustle and bustle of a crowded La Cienega and the carefree pulse of a Saturday afternoon. As Martin lays the foundation, his saxophone enters the fray and fills the gaps with its fluctuating harmonies.
Channel Tres portrays the City of Angels with his trademark casual, smooth delivery. He kicks off the song by shouting out the street where he grew up, Long Beach Boulevard. Throughout the steady thumping instrumental, he mentions his ol’ reliable shoe growing up – Chuck Taylors – which he would pick up at the local swap meet for cheap. His voice, lyrics, and cadence all flow together with Martin’s production, thereby painting a picture of LA with broad strokes. In an interview with BET, Martin talks about the song’s inception.
“Working with Channel Tres was a job because he’s so daring…He wants to make everyone feel good around him and he feels good. Working with him is just a great human experience.”
Can we expect more from the duo? It’s possible. The two reportedly had a solid recording session that left the two-time Grammy-nominated artist inspired. “He came into the studio at midnight like ‘let’s do [ten] songs...’”
This new, daring partnership is just one development in the mix. Martin will perform at Coachella and later, a Terminal 5 show alongside Robert Glasper and Kamasi Washington. Last but not least, Martin is ready to launch a “new label partnership called Sounds of Crenshaw Jazz with BMG [Rights Management].”
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