Release Date: 26 April 2024
Dana and Alden
Coyote, Your My Star
Never heard of these guys until finding this tune and damn I’m glad I did! A bit alty and and the lyrics are really, ‘the strange kid at school that is actually cool but no one knows it until they’re older vibes (you know exactly what I mean). The saxophone on this is the real star though, absolutely beautiful and I’m keen to see what these guys do in the future as they’re pretty new on the block from what I’ve gathered.
Genre:
Jazz, Alternative-Pop, Indie
Tasting notes:
Cool and vibey this one gives a sunny afternoon feel.
Looking for more:
Remind me of Rex Orange County’s early stuff and some Dominic Fike in there as well (but this has way better sax!)
Release Date: 3 May 2024
Loyle Carner
A Lasting Place (Live)
I saw Loyle Carner perform a couple of years ago as part of this tour and was in awe of the intimacy and vulnerability he displayed. This single captures this, with a rendition that is a completely different vibe from the original recording. Would be awesome to see a whole live album from Carner in the future!
Genre:
Hip-Hop, Rap, Conscious Rap
Tasting notes:
An intimate live recording where Carner shows his talent and stage presence to reinvent the original song, which is slower than this version.
Looking for more:
George the Poet
Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn
Release Date: 2 May 2024
Tom Misch
Insecure
Four years in the making, this is Misch’s first release since his EP ‘Quarantine Sessions’ in 2021. The track is emotional and raw, containing lyrics addressing insecurities which are woven into beautiful guitar licks. I also am a fan of the drums which take a unconventional approach to the timing of the kicks and is backed with a 808 to make it punch. Great track and I look forward to what Misch has in store for his fans.
Genre:
Jazz, Afro-Beat, Bossa Nova
Tasting notes:
Vulnerable and exposed lyrics, but fun, groovy and catchy.
Looking for more:
Jordan Rakei
Warm on a cold night by HONNE
Release Date: 20 August 2021
Jazzbois
Jazzbois Goes Blunt II
One of my favourite contemporary artists, Jazzbois are an instrumental trio “from the deep underbelly” of Budapest, Hungary. I stumbled upon these guys a couple of years ago on YouTube, performing in a small venue in their home city and they’ve been constantly in my rotation since. Their minimalist and improvised approach is just captivating and you can tell the trio have great chemistry. All of their are recorded in the moment and edited in post-production, which means there are lots of motifs and riffs throughout.
Genre:
Jazz, Hip-Hop, Instrumental, Funk, Improv
Tasting notes:
Toes the line between hip-hop instrumental and jazz, this one is real cover-to-cover album. Great for background listening, but if you tune in you’ll hear brilliance.
Standout Tracks:
Blunted Again
Lockdown Drive – The title gives great context to the feel of the song and I found very relatable
Looking for more:
Check out the rest of their discography, as well as Yussef Dayes.
Release Date: 26 April 2024
Tommy Richman
Million Dollar Baby
This song has taken the charts by storm this week, debuting at #2 (behind Taylor Swift of course). This album has a phonky beat, which is a Memphis inspired cross between hip-hop and jazz, but with R&B style vocals which really took me by surprise. An infectious tune that has put Tommy Richman on the map.
Genre:
Hip-Hop, Rap, Alternative, Phonk
Tasting notes:
Friday night vibes! This one will get you grooving with catchy beat and some awesome vocals that you’re really not expecting.
