Ezra Collective: Breathing New Life into Modern Jazz
#ezracollective #vinyl #indiemusic
Femi Koleoso, the drummer and bandleader of London jazz quintet Ezra Collective, is a key figure in the thriving modern jazz scene in the UK, along with contemporaries like Kamaal Williams, Nubya Garcia, and Moses Boyd. At 28, Koleoso credits modern influences such as Kendrick Lamar’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’ for inspiring a new age of jazz and hopes Ezra Collective can further inspire the next generation. The band, known for blending genres effortlessly, recently played at the legendary Blue Note in New York and have several shows lined up in Australia, showcasing their evolved and intense live performances.
Ezra Collective’s sophomore record, ‘Where I’m Meant to Be’, is a testament to their genre-defying approach. The Mercury Prize-nominated album delves into salsa, reggae, dub, hip-hop, soul, and afrobeat. Koleoso explains that this eclectic mix reflects the “shuffle generation” they belong to, where listening to UK garage can be immediately followed by Beethoven. This fluidity in music consumption influences their sound, allowing them to play whatever they like, an aspect Koleoso cherishes about improvised music.
Despite their experimental approach, the band remains grounded in their jazz roots. Their new album includes a modern interpretation of Sun Ra’s ‘Love in Outer Space’ and the cover art pays homage to Thelonious Monk’s famous ‘Underground’ cover. Koleoso sees parallels between the work of past jazz legends and contemporary artists, describing it as the same language but with a ’90s Baby London accent. He continues to find inspiration in bebop records and considers it a beautiful source of learning.
Playing live shows is about more than making money for Koleoso; it’s about making people feel something real, especially in a post-lockdown world. The band’s performance at the Blue Note got the audience dancing at their tables, a notable achievement at the sophisticated jazz club. Koleoso looks forward to performing at Strawberry Fields in Australia and appreciates the openness of techno crowds to different drumbeats. Having already performed at Coachella and the Hammersmith Apollo this year, he believes the band has evolved into a more intense, rock-and-roll version of themselves, playing harder and longer shows.
With a successful album, a series of international performances, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz, Ezra Collective is making a significant impact on the modern jazz scene. Their innovative approach, grounded in a deep respect for the past, promises an exciting future for both the band and their audience.
