Description
Down To The Bone returns with “This Way Forward,” a jazz album poised to delight collectors and fans of contemporary UK jazz-funk. Set for release on June 11, 2026, via the independent label Hip City, the album will be available in a limited edition 2xLP pressing capped at just 300 copies. This physical format not only caters to vinyl enthusiasts but also reinforces the band’s commitment to quality analog sound and tangible music experiences in an era dominated by digital consumption. The album features a mix of ten tracks that showcase a vibrant blend of jazz infused with funk rhythms, highlighting the group’s continued evolution and presence within their genre.
Established in the British jazz scene, Down To The Bone has long been associated with the acid jazz and jazz-funk movements, carving out a reputation for their tight grooves, rich instrumentation, and soulful collaborations. “This Way Forward” exemplifies this legacy through its diverse vocal features, including Hil St Soul, Natasha Watts, and Guida De Palma, whose contributions imbue the record with dynamic textures and soulful intensity. The inclusion of multiple vocalists offers a nuanced listening experience, paying homage to both classic jazz vocals and the more groove-oriented sensibilities that bands like Brand New Heavies or Jamiroquai have popularized in related circles.
The tracklist progresses with engaging compositions such as “Get Up & Dance,” featuring Hil St Soul’s smooth vocal presence, and “Sending You Love (Parts 1 & 2),” a sprawling piece that allows Natasha Watts’ expressive tones to resonate alongside sophisticated arrangements. Instrumentally, songs like “The Special Branch” and “Hermosa Bump” balance melody and rhythm with a clear nod to the jazz-funk traditions cultivated by ensembles such as The Crusaders and Incognito. This grounding in groove and swing creates a vibrant sonic palette, making the album a compelling entry for aficionados of the genre who appreciate the interplay between intricate musicianship and accessible grooves.
Released on Hip City, a label known for fostering independent jazz and funk projects, “This Way Forward” underscores the importance of boutique labels in sustaining vibrant, niche music scenes. Hip City’s curation aligns well with Down To The Bone’s artistic ethos, bridging legacy and innovation within the jazz spectrum. The album’s limited vinyl availability, notably with only 300 copies, emphasizes the collectible nature of this project and situates it within the broader context of Record Store Day 2026 events, where rare and exclusive releases find a specially engaged audience. Vinyl collectors and genre enthusiasts interested in current releases shaping the UK and international jazz-funk landscape will find this pressing particularly noteworthy.
In the context of contemporary jazz releases, Down To The Bone’s approach connects with a lineage of artists who merge jazz with elements of soul, funk, and electronic music textures. Listeners who appreciate the fusion work of groups like St. Germain or the elegant jazz-funk grooves of Jamiroquai’s earlier material might find “This Way Forward” resonates with similar sensibilities. The album’s balance between live instrumentation and featured vocalists, along with its carefully crafted rhythmic underpinnings, positions it as a standout new music release within the independent jazz sphere. It also reflects ongoing trends where jazz artists explore collaborative formats, blending genre boundaries with urban and electronic influences while maintaining a groove-centric foundation.
For those tracking the evolution of UK jazz and funk, this release offers a clear perspective on how longstanding acts like Down To The Bone continue to innovate while respecting the heritage that defined acid jazz’s heyday. The presence of multiple vocalists contributes melodic richness, enlivening the record in a way that parallels the works of contemporaries and predecessors alike. Whether experienced on vinyl or streamed digitally, “This Way Forward” represents a meticulously crafted chapter in the artist’s discography and affirms their place in the vibrant continuum of modern jazz-funk music.
