Montague handed this album to me from Jon Lampley, Notes to Self.
A new artist to me, this is his second album and I will be delighted to listen to his debut, Night Service.
Montague gushed as he handed the album over due to the opening track Unnecessarily Soulful Into, is the unofficial anthem for Ramblings Music. I have added the lyrics at the end of this post.
So on with it and this is what I think …
🌟 Album Overview
Notes to Self is a compact 25‑minute burst of musical personality — part journal, part jam session, part emotional check‑in. Lampley’s trumpet isn’t just an instrument here; it’s a narrator. The album moves between joy, reflection, and playful self‑awareness without ever losing its warmth.
The “unnecessarily soulful” motif becomes a running joke and a genuine thesis: Lampley is showing that soul doesn’t need to be grandiose. It can be small, daily, human. The collaborations are perfectly chosen, the production is clean but organic, and the whole record feels like a friend handing you a page torn from their notebook.
It’s an album that doesn’t try to be a masterpiece — and that’s exactly why it works.
I have my favourites ❤️.
⭐ Track‑by‑Track Fan Review
- Unnecessarily Soulful Intro
A playful curtain‑raiser. It’s short, cheeky, and sets the tone: Lampley is about to give you soul, but he’s also going to wink while doing it. The horn flourishes feel like someone warming up backstage — loose, confident, and inviting.
- On Your Mind ❤️
A breezy, mid‑tempo groove that feels like a conversation you’ve been meaning to have. Lampley’s vocals are warm and unhurried, and the brass lines glide around the melody like a friend offering reassurance. It’s a track about emotional presence — simple, but resonant.
- Greener
A standout. The rhythm section locks into a gentle sway while the lyrics explore the “grass is greener” dilemma with sincerity rather than cynicism. The horns here feel like sunlight breaking through cloud — bright, hopeful, and quietly triumphant.
- Believe in Me ❤️
This one hits with earnest vulnerability. Lampley leans into a more classic soul structure, letting his voice carry the emotional weight. The arrangement is restrained, giving the message space: a plea for trust, connection, and being seen.
- Unnecessarily Soulful Interlude
A fun midpoint palate cleanser. It’s like Lampley stepping out of the booth, laughing, and saying, “Let’s keep this rolling.” The interlude keeps the album’s sketchbook aesthetic alive — doodles between the bigger ideas.
- Joy (feat. Cory Wong) ❤️
Pure uplift. Cory Wong’s signature rhythmic sparkle meets Lampley’s brass‑driven exuberance. It’s impossible not to smile — the track feels like a street parade turning the corner, full of colour and movement. A highlight and a perfect collaboration.
- Try It Again ❤️
A gentle nudge toward resilience. The groove is relaxed but purposeful, and the melody carries a sense of second chances without pressure. It’s the kind of track that feels like a friend saying, “You’ve got this,” without making a big speech.
- Maybe
Soft, contemplative, and beautifully understated. Lampley leans into R&B tenderness here, letting uncertainty become something melodic rather than anxious. The horns are subtle, almost conversational.
- Dock of the Bay (feat. Lawrence & Louis Cato)
A respectful, soulful reinterpretation. Lampley doesn’t try to out‑sing Otis — instead, he reframes the classic with modern warmth and collaborative energy. Lawrence’s vocals and Cato’s musicianship give it a communal, fireside feel. It’s familiar, but freshly polished.
- Unnecessarily Soulful Outro
A closing wink. It mirrors the intro but with a sense of completion — like the band packing up after a great session. It leaves you smiling, maybe even wishing for a few more pages in the notebook.
I will be looking out for further opportunities to listen to his work
