Description
#jakelong #vinyl #vinylrecords
Jake Long, known for his dynamic role as the drummer and composer in the acclaimed jazz ensemble Maisha, makes a remarkable entrance into solo artistry with his debut album City Swamp. Building on the foundation laid with Maisha’s celebrated releases, particularly the critically acclaimed There is a Place, Long takes a daring leap into new musical territories. City Swamp is not just an album; it’s a bold statement, blending jazz with psychedelic influences and dissonant undertones to create a sound that is both deeply personal and expansively innovative.
The album features an impressive lineup of musicians, many of whom are familiar collaborators from Long’s Maisha days. With contributions from the likes of Tamar Osborn, Binker Golding, and Shirley Tetteh, City Swamp maintains the collaborative essence that has always been a hallmark of Long’s work. Tracks like “Ideological Rubble” showcase a more experimental side of Long’s compositions, diverging from the celebratory and often spiritual tones of his earlier work with Maisha. Instead, this album ventures into darker, more complex soundscapes that challenge the listener while remaining rooted in the rich tradition of UK jazz.
City Swamp stands as a continuation of the narrative Long began with Maisha, yet it also signals a new direction, one where he fully embraces his role as a solo artist. The album’s intricate layers and the seamless integration of various jazz subgenres, including the psychedelic influences reminiscent of artists like The Comet Is Coming, show Long’s ability to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz. His collaboration with musicians like Artie Zaitz and Al MacSween only adds depth to the album, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is as thought-provoking as it is sonically adventurous.
In a landscape where UK jazz continues to gain international recognition, City Swamp further cements Jake Long’s position as a significant force within the genre. His ability to blend the spiritual jazz elements he is known for with more avant-garde, dissonant themes, akin to the works of Shabaka Hutchings and Moses Boyd, sets him apart as a unique voice in modern jazz. City Swamp is not just an impressive debut; it is a profound artistic expression that offers a glimpse into the future of jazz through the eyes of one of its most promising artists.
