Happy Fri-Yay! What better way to get that Friday Feeling in lockdown than with some inspiring music? University of Southampton student and Turner Sims Concert Promotions Intern Issy McMichael closes a great week of Intern Insights with a jazzy collection that goes perfectly with Friday afternoon sun and perhaps a glass of something lovely to start the weekend (tea, right?)… Cheers!
We hope you have enjoyed our music-packed week. Look out for more Intern Insights in the weeks to come!
If there’s one thing that’s been a constant for me in this difficult time, it’s music. My playlist contains all the tunes that pick me up and comfort me. Some great renditions of jazz standards remind me of the ever-changing world of music that doesn’t stop evolving even through times of adversity.
It’s Gonna be Alright
Theo Croker
Although we didn’t get to see Theo Croker grace the Turner Sims stage, thanks to the age of streaming we can still appreciate his glorious music. It’s Gonna be Alright portrays the perfect message especially in the current climate.
The Dream Keeper
SEED Ensemble
A tune that really does stay true to its name. Prepare to be drifted into jazz dream land. The SEED Ensemble described by the Metro as a ‘new wave of British jazz’ encapsulates the contemporary Jazz scene with their ability to paint musical imagery in such a modern way.
The World is Yours
Ashley Henry
Speaking about his album Beautiful Vinyl Hunter Ashley Henry reveals to Notion Online, ‘My music is a straight up reflection of who I am; London in all its mixed-up glory. The immigrant in me has musical roots that are traced back to the 1600s, so it’s important my music today reflects that jazz alpha narrative across different genres and generations’.
Some Other Time
Bill Evans Trio
Bill Evans. His music sounds new and so alive even 50 years later. Known to many for his association with Miles Davis, Evans ability to transport you to somewhere un-earthly, to ‘Some Other Time’ sounds so boldly in his music. The perfect Jazz escapism.
Mad World
Jordan Rakei
As described by Spotify; ‘New Zealand-Australian Jordan’s Rakei’s ambition and ability to meld his influences into such a singular and potent musical vision’ and combination of jazz infused sounds with his depth of lyrics shows his well-established place in the UK Jazz scene.
Keep On
Alfa Mist
Alfa Mist’s music embodies the Jazz inspired urban soundscape that he surrounds himself with in East London. With Hip-Hop and grime influences from his teenage years leading to a later discovery of Miles Davis, the combination of genres leads to a unique sound that can captivate a contemporary listener.
Blue in Green
Gretchen Parlato
The third tune on Mile Davis’ 1959 album Kind of Blue, it is speculated that formally mentioned pianist Bill Evans wrote this tune. The first vocalist ever admitted to the world renowned Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, Parlato’s innate musicality shines through in her vocals.
Be Free
Moonchild
Alumni of USC Thornton School of Music Jazz studies programme, Moonchild blend R&B and Jazz into their sound. Their title track on their 2012 album, Amber Navran’s sultry vocals create an ambient vibe which transport to a parallel jazz-iverse. Check out their session with NPR Tiny Desk.
Precious
Esparanza Spalding
American bassist, singer, songwriter and composer, Esparanza Spalding incorporates jazz, bossa nova and R&B into her soulful music. The New York Times commented that her voice was ‘light and high, up in Blossom Dearie’s pitch range, and [that] she can sing quietly, almost in a daydream’ – a sensitivity that she portrays so emotively in this track.
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