I Just Play (2022)

At ten songs, Wali Ali’s new album “I Just Play” blends R&B into a heavy mix of Jazz into a form dubbed Soul Jazz. The guitar-driven album is dynamic, feature the master guitarist’s equally inimitable, velvety vocals throughout. The opening track She, a heartfelt letter to Mother Earth reflect the time we live in, in a sparse arrangement that echoes the need for us to conserve precious resources. Wali’s six-stringed virtuosity sings throughout each track, from smooth grooves like Feeling Boss to the uplifting melodies that energize Sunday Morning. “I Just Play” is the latest expression from one of Boston and Omaha’s most accomplished working guitarists.