Matt Wilde calls up Natty Reeves for new single 'Inner Peace'

Manchester-based keyboardist and producer Matt Wilde continues his strong start to 2022 with his second single of the year ‘Inner Peace’ which sees him teaming up with multi-instrumentalist and producer, Natty Reeves.

Throughout the track Natty’s Spanish guitar and Matt’s piano effortlessly interweave to create the harmonic richness of the track, bringing a new outlook to jazz collaboration. As the track develops, the direction of the music changes through raw improvisations from Natty, and then Matt, with synth textures interplaying to create a foundation for the rest of the track to shine.

Speaking on the track, Matt said: “This track is about finding peace within yourself and spreading it to others, celebrating our human connections and care for each other. Teaming up with Natty Reeves has been a pleasure as always, his musicianship and ability to capture unique improvised moments on the guitar is truly inspiring.”

Myele Manzanza's x Soho Radio, Direct to Vinyl Session

Myele Manzanza joined Soho Radio and The Vinyl Factory at the 180 Studios for the new series of Vinyl Sessions; live performances cut direct to vinyl.

A one-shot series where artists record direct to dubplate. One disc – one take – one shot.

Performing Back In The Days and Two Chords & The Truth , Myele enlisted the help of Lewis Moody (keys & synths) and Seth Tackaberry – watch now below.

Matt Wilde and Kissamil​é join forces on 'Better Worlds'

Following a blossoming first year releasing his own music in 2021, which saw his music supported by Jamie Cullum (BBCR2), Jazz FM, BBC Introducing and more, Matt Wilde returns with his first release of 2022, joining forces with French duo Kissamilé, as they explore the fusion between jazz & hip-hop on ‘Better Worlds’. A percussive and melodic cascading piano solo is at the heart of the track, alongside a stunning jazz-inspired guitar solo that rounds off the track.

"This track is born from the idea of wishing for a better world with collaboration, creativity and sustainability at the centre. Collaborating remotely is always exciting because you never know what the other artist will send. Opening up the files is like unwrapping a gift! Kissamile’s vocals, guitar and drums really brought this track to life and I hope this is just the beginning of our work together.”

Natty Reeves & Jackson Mathod deliver stunning 3-track live EP 'Live at 43'

Following the release of his album ‘Our Time’, Natty Reeves teams up with trumpeter Jackson Mathod for 'Live at 43’.

During the recording of ‘United Untied’, the pair quickly formed a bond and found themselves writing some breath-taking music, which effortlessly developed into a 3-track live EP - ‘Live at 43’.

‘Live at 43’ illustrates Natty’s ability to cohesively link his usually more up-produced and hip-hop-drum-laden tracks into a live and stripped-back setting, moving himself further into the UK jazz scene, displaying his intricate guitar play throughout, whilst showcasing an undeniable relationship with Jackson Mathod. Across the project, we also hear Jackson grow further into each track, with his bright arrangements and dazzling tones on the trumpet, as the two harmoniously grow from start to end.

Multi-instrumentalist, producer and beatmaker Paul Grant drops new album ‘Reflections

Following the release of his highly commended 2020 album ‘Waves’, Californian multi-instrumentalist, producer and beatmaker Paul Grant is back with his album ‘Reflections’.

Paul has been steadily making his mark as a go-to producer within the jazz-hip-hop scene, through collaborations with the likes of Kiefer, Braxton Cook, Emmavie and more, whilst also releasing four solo albums and a collaborative album with long-time collaborator, Adrienne Indigo.

Across ‘Reflections’ we see Paul join forces with Adrienne Indigo again, as well as frequent collaborators Amy Ahn and Morgan Burrs, and also see the introduction of Benjamin Totten for the album’s first single ‘California to London’.

PYJÆN serves up new album 'Feast'

The five-piece outfit reaches inside the deep, multidimensional well of what is broadly called Jazz, bringing together all its diverse components in a singular, emotional sound.

After setting a blueprint for their multifaceted artistry, combining cross-genre sensibilities with ferocious talent on their first two releases, PYJÆN has been busy writing and recording music for their second album, their most accomplished offering yet.

‘Feast’ was recorded at Peter Gabriel's legendary Real World Studios in Bath over a full week in November 2020. This proved to be an unforgettable experience, which elevated the music and created an unrivalled connection between the 5 band members and the albums’ featured artists Nix Northwest, Elisa Imperilee, Hilts and Corto Alto.

With the recording of this new record, each member of the group brought their own specific flavour to the table. They explain: “We want the album to showcase our growing abilities and confidence as a group of 5 individuals, each with strong personalities and varied sets of influences, while still leaving room for featured artists, an exercise we thoroughly enjoyed on our 'Sage Secrets' EP with Blue Lab Beats and Odette Peters.” The EP reached over 1M streams on Spotify within only 6 months, testimony that the band has become a major force in the UK "Jazz and beyond" scene. Their new album will fearlessly navigate the world of funk, jazz, hip-hop and punk. With their trademark raw energy, their objective is to bring people together in their love for music.

Adventurous songwriting, meticulous timing, incredibly tight horn arrangements and an obvious joy to play together are the PYJÆN trademarks. These are brought to the table in ‘Feast’ through vibrant melodies and rich cadences. The band presents a full course musical experience with four singles: in ‘Beetle Juice’ the band joins forces with rapper Nix Northwest to offer a delicious tune characterized by an easygoing yet alluring atmosphere.

‘The Nightbus’ sees a vivacious journey narrated by enticing piano, guitar and trumpet motifs. ‘Moonlight’ sets a sultry tone with Elisa Imperilee’s ethereal vocals accompanied by delightful and intricate beat sequences. ‘Stay Home’ 'Stay Home' is the final instalment before PYJÆN's great ‘Feast’ - this time seeing the band bring in Scottish Jazz Band of the Year, corto.alto (Liam Shortall) who lays down his signature trombone over the addictive bass line from the band's Ben Crane. With its mouth-watering combinations of jazz, ‘Feast’ is a witness to the band's exponential growth, taking listeners on a vivid sensory experience

Formed in 2016, PYJÆN is composed of Dani Diodato (guitar), Dylan Jones (trumpet), Ben Vize (sax), Benjamin Crane (bass) and Charlie Hutchinson (drums). Releasing their debut self-titled album to wide critical and public acclaim, they have gathered support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Jazz FM, and Clash Magazine to name a few. Live, as seen at A Love Supreme, Ronnie Scott's, Jazz Cafe or Brainchild Festival, the atmosphere is sizzling and the sense of enjoyment communicated from the stage is infectious.

Matt Wilde drops J-Dilla inspired new single

Matt Wilde’s distinct approach to jazz and hip-hop fusion is encapsulated in his latest release 'Dilla Impresses Me’. The track pays homage to Dilla’s unique off-the-grid groove which Matt discovered as a teenager after listening to Dilla on repeat. This was a catalyst for Matt’s obsession with jazz as he heard new perspectives, layers and textures in Dilla’s music which developed like characters in a story.

This cyclical effect is revealed in Matt’s new track through the straightforward piano, hazy trombone, grounded bass and pocketed drums which highlight a warmth characteristic of Matt’s sound. The use of tape emulation and the distant yet codifying analogue palette of synths create an atmosphere which shines a light on the imaginative piano melodies and harmony.

“One day when I was a teenager, I was recommended some of J Dilla's music on YouTube. I listened to his beat 'Ahmad Impresses Me' on repeat. Every time the loop went round I heard something new and I had a deep connection to the music. Then I found out about the record he sampled to make that track, which was a record by Ahmad Jamal called 'The Awakening'. I spent that evening listening to the whole album and the next day I started learning jazz piano seriously, and I've never looked back.”

Natty Reeves ascends on brand new album 'Our Time'

After taking a short break from writing and producing following the release of his 2019 debut album ‘Condition’, Natty has returned with an appetising new album showcasing a new direction in his music and leaning his attention towards a further developed instrumental-focused sound embedded further into the UK Jazz scene.

‘Our Time’ sees Reeves level up his production and bring in some helping hands across the project from an array of the UK’s thriving jazz scene talents, such as Charlie Allen, Poppy Daniels, Ben Vize, Matt Wilde, Jackson Mathod & Dutch producer and multi-instrumentalist, Marnix de Haus.

On the album’s opener, ‘5:23am’ we’re hit straight from the off with Natty’s layered and well-known rich textures of melodies and groove-heavy drums to amplify his newly developed sound whilst Marnix De Haus delivers highly appetising keys throughout that add the finishing touch to an exciting beginning of a delightful and powerful new body of work. For the album’s second course, ‘Snakes in the Grass’, Natty brings in rising UK trumpeter Poppy Daniels who presents some flavoursome horns throughout, complimenting Natty’s signature production and intricate guitar-play.

‘Lilac’, the final single taken from ‘Our Time’, sets up the remainder of the album beautiful, and sees the introduction of Charlie Allen and trumpeter Jackson Mathod, the latter delivering vibrant melodies throughout, whilst Charlie Allen effortlessly delivers some enchanting guitar tones which compliment the entirety of the song to perfection. ‘Our Time’ is a shining illustration to Natty’s ascending growth as an artist and producer, taking listeners on a mouth-watering journey of his best work to date.

Matt Wilde arrives with debut EP 'Believe in Things'

'Believe in Things' is centred around the piano, exploring textures and colours which depict the beauty in simple things and the relationship between earth, nature and space. Born out of the challenges society has faced as a result of Covid-19, 'Believe in Things' is a real-time documentation of the hope, discovery and uncertainty experienced this year. The improvised piano tells a story of believing in the unimaginable and unearthing the extraordinary. The songs portray a sense of determination and optimism for a better future.

Matt Wilde is a Mancunian keyboardist and producer, whose music blends jazz-inspired keys, rich harmonies and pocketed drums. Taking inspiration from jazz greats such as Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, Matt has performed and produced for a range of artists such as PROSE (Virgin Records) and Secret Night Gang (Brownswood), with performances at major venues and festivals including Parklife, Leeds & Reading and the Great Escape.

vbnd returns with brand new album 'Scum Funk'

Following his 2018 debut, ‘Daughter of The Sun’, Saskatoon-based artist vbnd releases new album ‘Scum Funk’. Aiming to cultivate and encourage the growth of the jazz and soul sound in his hometown, vbnd’s new work showcases the complexity of the genre and its alluring effects.

As a collection of songs created over the past two years, 'Scum Funk' sees vbnd team up with The Soulmate Collective, consisting of Katie Tupper (Vocals), Connor Newton (Saxophone), Jesse Mcmillan (Drums) & Ayden Draude (Keys). With influences from D’Angelo and Michael League of Snarky Puppy, the collaboration results in a groove-heavy affair led by vbnd’s signature hypnotic bass lines and production, accompanied by crisp drums, topped off with Katie Tupper’s smoky vocals and unparalleled songwriting. ‘Scum Funk’ portrays intense trust between the musicians with the aim of exemplifying the uniting powers of music.

The LP features gritty bass arrangements supporting zesty keys and syncopated drums, which create a solid backbone for luxurious saxophone melodies, and breezy vocals. The album’s heartfelt aura is illustrated in its name; deriving from a deep admiration for Jaco Pastorious’ album ‘Punk Jazz’ and in parallel from the movement of Scum Punk, vbnd wants ‘Scum Funk’ to embody the idea of “rowdy dudes playing nice-sounding jazz, funk, and lovely neo-soul songs”.

The first single ‘Slowly Starting to Take Form’ epitomizes the album’s strong funk sensibilities with “enforced stank”. The second single ‘Breathe Me In (A Little Longer)’ was born as a witty response to a corporate gig audience member who requested ‘something to dance to, the result is a powerful body-moving track, embellished with an undeniably groovy chord structure and heady disco atmospheres. The third single ‘Gold Chain’ was penned by Katie Tupper and brought to vbnd to explore new musical dimensions in late 2018 - resulting in a sultry and alluring sound, overflowing with groove, funk, and charisma.

A truly impressive body of work, ‘Scum Funk’ documents vbnd’s growing mastery of groove, texture, and grit, illustrating a strong and intriguing artistic identity.