Sounds of Crenshaw, Vol. 1

Sounds of Crenshaw, Vol. 1 is a collaborative effort led by Terrace Martin under the moniker 'The Pollyseeds.' Released in 2017, the album serves as a definitive statement for the modern Los Angeles jazz scene, which Martin helped architect through his work on Kendrick Lamar’s 'To Pimp a Butterfly.' Unlike his more traditional jazz outings, this record leans heavily into neo-soul and synth-funk, featuring a rotating cast of high-level collaborators including Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, and Rose Gold. The project is characterized by its heavy use of the vocoder, lush Rhodes piano, and Martin's signature soulful saxophone lines. Critically, it was praised for its ability to bridge the gap between the heritage of jazz fusion and the contemporary sounds of hip-hop and R&B, solidifying Martin's role as a primary bridge-builder in 21st-century Black American music.