Track of the day: Julius Rodriguez, 'Where Grace Abounds,' Verve ****

From Let Sound Tell All (Verve, 10 June release) a second marlbank track-of-the-day selection drawn from the upcoming album and following the earlier 'Gift of the Moon' that we certainly warmed to in late-March. The debut of twentysomething …

Published: 20 May 2022. Updated: 22 months.

From Let Sound Tell All (Verve, 10 June release) a second marlbank track-of-the-day selection drawn from the upcoming album and following the earlier 'Gift of the Moon' that we certainly warmed to in late-March.

The debut of twentysomething US-based player Julius Rodriguez whose background includes studies at top music school Julliard in New York and membership of the hip-hop aware Onyx Collective 'Where Grace Abounds' is begun by Rodriguez playing solo piano gradually adding complexity and then there's churchified organ also overdubbed from Rodriguez entering and drums (Brian Richburg, Jr) as the piano motif repeats itself plus yes shape shifting acoustic bass (Philip Norris) that acts as a reset towards the next transformative section of the piece. A very simple melody on the face of it later there are syncopated practically hand-clap invoking beats, a soupçon of trumpet (Giveton Gelin) and backing vocals (Nick Hakim) swirling around. Highly accessible, distinctly agreeable, warm love in the room. An instant case of press replay.

Julius Rodriguez photo: Avery J. Savage

Tags:

Track of the day: Jas Kayser, 'Stupid on the Beat (instrumental),' Jazz Re:freshed ****

Ferocious interplay between percussionist João Caetano and drummer leader Jas Kayser, the best track on the fine EP Jas 5ive released last month. Daisy George, heard recently playing in a formidable freely improvised setting with Seb Rochford and …

Published: 19 May 2022. Updated: 22 months.

Next post

Ferocious interplay between percussionist João Caetano and drummer leader Jas Kayser, the best track on the fine EP Jas 5ive released last month. Daisy George, heard recently playing in a formidable freely improvised setting with Seb Rochford and Tom Cawley, is also on the track although here Daisy switches to upright bass. That alternative acoustic texture in context works well. Kayser is one of the biggest new UK scene drum stars and proves just why there is a considerable buzz about her on the EP overall.