What does it sound like?:
This time last week I’d never heard of Ezra Collective. I only picked up on them through reading the write up in a local gig guide*, although according to Boilerrom.tv, they are “pioneering a new wave of UK jazz music”, so that’s me told. Anyway, “that sounds alright”, I thought, and so I gave this, their second EP, a whirl. Turns out it is ABSOLUTELY BLOODY FANTASTIC.
The Collective are a bunch of young Londoners, born out of the Tomorrow’s Warriors project. It’s lively stuff, driven by an irresistible rhythm section that pulls together afrobeat, hip hop and reggae. On top of this, there’s winding flights of trumpet and sax to get lost in, and some sterling piano playing. It’s wonderfully fluent, rich, constantly grooving, and generally makes me glad to be alive. It’s built on tradition (the closing track here is a version of Sun Ra’s Space Is The Place), but looking outwards, to other musics and to the future. I am already way past the mandatory six listens, and this one is going right into my top jazz releases of the year (the preceding EP from 2016, Chapter 7, is just as good (and features a turn from minority AW fave Zara MacFarlane)).
*I’m already double booked for the gig in question, and I’m frankly annoyed about it.
What does it all *mean*?
the kids are alright
Goes well with…
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
wondering why they still have to write something in this box
Kid Dynamite says
Tiggerlion says
Love it! UK Jazz is in a very good place at present. I’d like a bit more Skronk to be honest.
Mr H says
Great stuff! New to me too but loving these two EPs. Will be joining The Comet Is Coming on frequent rotation (both on Spotify). Goes well with the majestic Kamasai Washington. Any more in the PNWUKJM?
Kid Dynamite says
I found this article when I was reading up on EC*. Some good pointers in it, although I think the author is playing up the grime angle a bit too much in order to appeal to Da Kids (you know, the ones who are never off the Guardian website)
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/mar/15/jazz-london-moses-boyd-united-vibrations
You can also watch forty five minutes of EC live here. It’s a treat.
https://boilerroom.tv/recording/ezra-collective/
*not that one.
Mr H says
Interesting (if a bit pretentious) article KD. Today now to be accompanied by the suggested playlist though! Oh, and is it officially now called TBJI?
Alias says
Really good band. I have seen them and got their 1st mini album Chapter 7. They are playing at the Islington Assembly Hall on Sunday 19th November. Anyone in the area and interested should go.
http://islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk/events/ezra-collective-191117/
Mike_H says
Sadly it clashes with our very own Disappointment Choir at The Islington. Also in Islington.
Which already clashes with my regular twice-a-month pub jazz gig in Colindale.
Bob & Katy will be getting my support on the night, even though the beer at The Islington is decidedly inferior (and more expensive) than that at The Chandos Arms in Colindale.
I’ll be looking out for Ezra Collective’s next London gig, though.
Kid Dynamite says
Bumping to post another link offering a guide to young British jazz. It’s a fertile scene at the moment
http://clashmusic.com/features/uk-jazz-is-killing-it-right-now