Ezra Collective’s Dance, No One’s Watching: A Genre-Bending Jazz Masterpiece
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Ezra Collective, the innovative British jazz quintet, continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz with their highly anticipated new album, Dance, No One’s Watching, set for release on September 27th. Known for their vibrant fusion of afrobeat, calypso, reggae, hip-hop, soul, and jazz, the group has captivated audiences worldwide with their unique sound. The band, comprising drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and saxophonist James Mollison, has been a central force in the UK’s jazz renaissance, often collaborating with fellow luminaries like Nubya Garcia and Moses Boyd.
The members of Ezra Collective first connected through the jazz education program Tomorrow’s Warriors, which has been instrumental in nurturing a new generation of jazz talent in the UK. Femi Koleoso has spoken openly about the challenges they faced as young jazz musicians in London, describing jazz as an art form that once seemed out of reach. However, the band’s ability to infuse their music with the diverse influences of their youth—ranging from the groundbreaking work of Robert Glasper to the socially charged jazz-rap fusion of Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp A Butterfly—has been key to their success.
Their previous album, Where I’m Meant to Be, released in late 2022, showcased this eclectic mix of genres, blending instrumental tracks with lyrical collaborations featuring artists such as Sampa the Great and Kojey Radical. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with The Guardian’s Kate Hutchinson noting that it might be the one to propel the band into the big league. It was no surprise, then, that the album won the prestigious 2023 Mercury Prize, making Ezra Collective the first jazz act in the award’s 31-year history to achieve this honor. The album’s ability to balance the complex rhythms of Afro-Cuban music with the accessible, celebratory energy of spiritual jazz has made it a standout in the modern jazz landscape.
When listening to Ezra Collective, it’s impossible not to draw parallels with American band Khruangbin, who similarly blend global musical influences into their own distinct sound. Like Khruangbin, Ezra Collective excels at creating music that resonates across genres and cultures, making it accessible to a wide audience while maintaining a deep connection to their jazz roots. Dance, No One’s Watching promises to continue this trend, offering listeners a dynamic and joyous journey through the ever-evolving world of jazz.
As they prepare to release Dance, No One’s Watching, Ezra Collective continues to prove that jazz is not only alive but thriving in the modern music scene. Their ability to transcend genres and appeal to both jazz aficionados and newcomers alike is a testament to their talent and vision. This album is set to further solidify their status as leaders in the global jazz movement, ensuring that their music will continue to inspire and uplift listeners around the world.
