Talk about a mouthful of a name. It’s a daunting title but you know what? Seahorse & The Storyteller shows some very highbrow, expertly crafted psychedelic funk from a behind the scenes industry veteran who obviously doesn’t give a crap about marketing, positioning or placement. Give this guy a listen and you’ll shake your head in shame at RJD2 who failed miserably at creating this kind of psychedelic R&B sound on The 3rd Hand album. On the other hand, (yes, it’s a pun), it’s possible that Michael may have even jacked the sound from poor old RJ just to show him up?

Well, probably not, since Michael Leonhart is not an upstart by any means. He’s an extremely accomplished jazzman who’s orchestrated works with shot callers like Busta Rhymes, D.J. Spooky, David Byrne, Henry Mancini, James Brown, Lenny Kravitz, Levon Helm, Mark Ronson, Mos Def, Natalie Merchant, Q-Tip, Raekwon, Yoko Ono, and oh so many more.

Although it’s still early in the year, I feel this album may become the most overlooked album of 2010. Do ears a favour and uncover this funky gem of a disc that heavily draws influence from artists like R.D Burman, The Beatles, Fela Kuti, and 60’s psychedelia. It’s out on Truth & Soul Records, also the home of El Michel’s Affair (whom have performed as the Wu’s backup string band), and The Phenomenal Handclap Band.