Description
Chiminyo’s latest release, titled NRG 5, arrives as the fifth installment in his ongoing NRG series, emerging as a compelling entry that blends the vitality of live improvisation with a rich, textured soundscape. Issued by the independent label NRG Discs in May 2026, the album captures a raw energy from a session recorded live at London’s Peckham Levels, a venue known for its distinct concrete reverberations which contribute a palpable acoustical depth to the performance. Rooted within the Broken Beat and Nu Jazz genres, the record features an entirely improvised set that seamlessly fuses elements of jazz, soul, and psychedelia, reflecting a sophisticated approach to contemporary experimental music.
The ensemble supporting Chiminyo on NRG 5 is notably formidable, featuring the precise and incisive saxophone work of Kaidi Akinnibi, whose contributions are central to the album’s dynamic. Guitarist Oscar Jerome introduces a fluid blend of soul-inflected jazz textures with psychedelic nuances, while Charlie Stacey’s synth layers open additional spatial dimensions, allowing the music to breathe and evolve organically. The foundation is anchored by Rudi Creswick’s deeply resonant bass and the interlocking percussive rhythms provided by Magnus Mehta alongside Chiminyo himself, maintaining an unrelenting forward momentum throughout the sessions. This live band context echoes the collaborative spirit found in works by contemporaries such as Moses Boyd and Nubya Garcia, where experimental jazz meets modern urban sensibilities.
The album’s tracklist comprises eight pieces, each flowing into the next without predetermined composition, showcasing the musicians’ acute interplay and spontaneous creativity. Tracks like “Re:Unite” and “Lucidity” highlight emotive improvisation with intricate rhythmic structures, while “Sacred” expands the palette further by introducing additional textures that elevate the listening experience. The immediacy and organic nature of the live recording reflect a process comparable to other prominent Nu Jazz acts such as The Comet Is Coming or Kamaal Williams, emphasizing a live-driven exploration rather than studio-crafted production.
From a broader perspective, NRG 5 situates itself within the lineage of UK’s evolving jazz and electronic music landscape, where artists actively break down traditional genre barriers to create hybrid forms. Chiminyo’s integration of live instrumentation with electronic sensibilities and improvisational freedom bears resemblance to the explorations of Floating Points and Alfa Mist, positioning the album among noteworthy releases pushing contemporary jazz forward. The LP format under which the album is released by NRG Discs also appeals to collectors and aficionados who value analog warmth paired with modern experimentalism.
NRG Discs, the label behind this release, maintains a reputation for fostering fresh and boundary-pushing artists operating at the intersection of jazz, electronic, and urban music scenes. While not as widely known as some larger imprints, its catalog reflects a commitment to sophisticated projects that emphasize musical innovation and live performance energy. The release of NRG 5 on vinyl aligns with the resurgence of interest in tactile, high-fidelity listening experiences among devotees of Nu Jazz and Broken Beat, highlighting the label’s role in supporting artist-driven creative visions within niche markets.
The album has garnered attention within the community, notably ranking among the bestsellers in the Broken Beat/Nu Jazz categories upon its release. For listeners intrigued by the evolving soundscape of contemporary British jazz with experimental edges, NRG 5 offers an immersive insight into a live, improvised approach that pushes genre boundaries. Chiminyo’s work may also resonate with those who appreciate the complex rhythmic interplay and sonic atmospheres crafted by figures such as Shabaka Hutchings and Yussef Kamaal, reinforcing his presence as an artist contributing significantly to the rich mosaic of modern jazz fusion and experimental sound.
