Washington D.C.-based singer-songwriter and producer R Nelson returns to these pages once again, having delivered a remarkably creative concept release with his new six-track EP, Cup of Tea EP. If you liked the heartfelt storytelling of his recent full-length album Vol. 1: Grown Man Energy, then you should get a kick out of this, as it sees Nelson taking a single core musical idea, before spinning it into six distinct dimensions.
By Jane Howkins
The record mixes moments of warm late-night soul music with funk-tinged basslines and a crisp R&B production style, exploring themes of love, connection and emotional accountability from a number of differing perspectives. This is one of the things that makes this EP feel so refined, making for an inventive listening experience that shows just how talented Nelson really is!
We start out (as you might expect) with the funky opener and namesake of this project – Cup of Tea. I was already a big fan of this song already after hearing it on Nelson’s recent album, and it really deserves first place here. It’s an irresistible number, having an easy-going pulse that is matched perfectly by the keyboard chords and bassline, really stirring the soul. There are actually several variations of the song on this EP, with the next track being Cup of Tea – Def. Alt. It’s still quite similar to the original version, but the central motif is reimagined with a slightly punchier riff and some unique production flourishes, breathing a new kind of energy into the tune.
Cup of Tea (Early Draft) is quite naturally a fascinating peek behind the curtain, offering a stripped-back and raw interpretation of the original track. The vocal phrasing is fairly bare bones here, creating an unpolished instrumental space that allows all the backing elements to truly shine through. You’re My Cup of Tea leans further into the classic soul-pop style, making for a brighter and perhaps more direct declaration of affection. It actually feels a lot warmer in some ways, and the female vocals are a lovely addition too.
Perfectly Steeped (Two Cups of Tea) serves as the emotional climax of the EP, bringing with it a lovely duet of the original song. The interplay between the two voices creates a rich sense of shared chemistry, especially when set over the sultry groove that creeps throughout the tune. Finally, we come to I Didn’t Change, I Expanded, which sees Nelson using his alter-ego Geese Da Goon to present an entirely new tune. There’s some really interesting percussion here, making a lasting impact for the listener alongside the introspective verses.
If you’re into conceptual songwriting, the Cup of Tea EP may be for you. It’s a fantastic look into the internal world of R Nelson, examining one theme through a range of different lenses. If you’re new to Nelson’s work, I’d probably recommend starting with his aforementioned album first, but this is still well worth checking out for modern r&b fans.
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