Imagine that a luxury sedan cruising along to Sting’s elegant “Sister Moon” accidentally taps the bumper of a low-rider banging War’s percolating “Galaxy.” Then, instead of arguing about insurance, both drivers erupt into a samba dance battle in the street. That’s what Sy Smith’s bubbling new single “Slide” sounds like.

The sensual R&B track coasts on an engine propulsive bassline and feverish, clap-spattered groove. Smith’s angelic coo suits her insistent, come-hither lyrics (“Can’t put out this fire without gettin’ wet”) and glistening piano frills that sparkle about. Her passionate delivery navigates nimbly around a weaving string arrangement from Maurice “Piranhahead” Herd (Victoria Monét, Lucky Daye).

This type of hybrid is very much in line with Smith, an eclectic and ambitious sojourner of indie soul. The gifted pianist and songwriter was already an in-demand vocalist, boasting collaborators as diverse as Meshell Ndegeocello, The Brand New Heavies, Chaka Khan, and Whitney Houston.

“Slide” was produced by Zo! and Tall Black Guy who also featured Smith on “The Ride,” a flawless track from their dynamic Abstractions (2021) project. With the release of “Slide,” she begins an official association with FE Music, the record label extension of The Foreign Exchange. Hip-hop/R&B multi-hyphenate Phonte will serve as executive producer for the forthcoming Sy Smith album Until We Meet Again, due in December with guest appearances from Sheila E. and jazz trumpeter Chris Botti.

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