Landing on a Hundred One Little Indian****

A decade has passed since Cody Chesnutt last released an album, and many will fondly remember The Headphone Masterpiece and its classic swathe of sweet, boho-soul. Landing on a Hundred is equally attractive, a collection of rich, expansive soul and funk that knows just where it’s coming from (it was recorded in Royal Studios in Memphis, one-time home to the Willie Mitchell and Al Green tag team) and, just as importantly, where it’s going. There are plenty of precedents for the kind of retro-soul fizz that dominates these musical proceedings, but Chesnutt’s strong songwriting smarts and nimble vocals are happy to head in a slightly different direction. Chips Down and What Kind of Cool, in particular, take narrative twists and turns as Chestnutt tries out some smart lyrical pirouettes. facebook com/iamcodychestnutt

Download tracks: Chips Down, What Kind of Cool