Gio & Dorise Blackmon’s The Griot Series Vol. 1 represents the first of three projects: this album, followed by interviews conducted with musicians resulting in a short documentary. As stated, it’s “a project based on heritage, equity and cultural relevance.”

The release itself comes in two quite musically different parts. “Side A” includes Gio Blackmon on vocals and Dorise Blackmon and Geovane Santos on guitars. “Side B” focuses on the guitar and vocals of Juju Child and includes a full band complete with bass and drums.

The initial section begins with a dreamily soft and slow version of the classic “Sunny.” Gio’s vocals, which set the mood, are at first backed with the strum of a single rhythm guitar. The tune is then augmented by a lead guitarist while Gio shows his soul-inspired side and vocal range.

Among other chestnuts such as “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and an up-tempo take on “Bye Bye Blackbird,” it’s almost surprising to find “Little Wing,” a tune written by Jimi Hendrix. The quietness of its delivery, however, makes it fit comfortably.

When Juju Child takes over with a full rhythm section on “Side B,” the vibe definitely changes. He starts with a blues standard, “Baby Please Don’t Go,” but then heads to Brazil on “Juju Dance” and the closer, Luiz Gonzaga’s “Baiao.” The later, sung in Portuguese, stands as an uplifting way to dance out.

Gio & Dorise Blackmon’s The Griot Series Vol. 1 becomes the pathway for intriguing episodes yet to come.