Fall down the rabbit hole of Ivan Howard’s alter ego and wake up in a stylized soundscape, surrounded by twisting melodies and singing shadows. Beautiful Tired Bodies is the latest installment of chromatic-eyed soul from the man who brought us a “magnificent art-funk treasure” (SPIN) and “a symphonic funkscape worthy of Quincy Jones” (UNCUT). Talking to the mirror in the man, Howard Ivans delivers his full-length debut, co-produced by Trey Pollard and Cameron Ralston, featuring the Spacebomb house band and a VIP list of Richmond musicians. The experience is immersive, a headlong rush, shot through with highlights like Pollard’s transfixing string arrangements and bold keyboard riffs from Devonne Harris (Stones Throw). Howard Ivans stands in the spotlight, a man who once recorded a bold, song-by-song remake of Sade’s Love Deluxe, delivering a new soft funk tone poem, a voice crooning out in the wilderness.

Press

“some real-ass Donald Fagen shit … a sumptuously arranged blast of smooth, smooth sensuality” — Stereogum

“subtle, supple funk” — FLOOD Magazine

“he builds sounds that echo memories of the classic tracks of the heroes who have gone before.” — ArtistDirect

“We may not conclude who exactly Howard Ivans is, but we can proclaim the voice echoing through these songs is more important than mere identity. … But what is certain is that this album is an entity and stand-alone piece of aural artistry that pushes the envelope of crooning pop and R&B while continuing to preserve its essence.” — Selective Memory Mag

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