CAPSULE REVIEW Octavia Harris, Radical Sabbatical One thing is clear from listening to the Portland based rapper, R&B singer and multi-talented hip hop artist’s high impact mix of heavy thumping grooves, old school soul atmospheres and hard hitting lyrics: Harris has truly been delivered from darkness in her life, and is excited about sharing her glorious coming out party and newfound joy of the Lord with the world. Over the course of fourteen completely infectious, soul-stirring tracks produced by some of the hip-hop world’s top studio cats (Doc Sizzo, F Major, Al Fraser, Sharpsounds, Ansane Productions, Hy-grade and others), she shares her deliverance in both personal and universal ways. The first lines of the opening title track say it all: “It’s a new day…it’s a new me.” She raps about spending more time with “the God who was living on the inside of me” and on “Enjoy The Sun” explores her wonder at the majesty of God’s mysterious creation. Beyond sharing the gospel message and the story of her own redemption, Harris also creates, on tracks like “For The Ladies,” powerful empowerment messages for females who struggle with their self esteem. The grooves and melodies flow seamlessly so the listener can focus on the message. While younger fans can enjoy the hard hitting danceable beats, Harris also taps into the classic R&B vibe on liquid soul tracks like “Different Kinda Love,” which almost find her channeling the cool, seductive spirit of Curtis Mayfield. You’ll want to take a sabbatical with this infectious, potentially life transforming album. –Jonathan Widran (freelance writer)