Geronimo [Sheppard] // P.R Remix feat. Awon

Just when I’m stuck on my jazz mood, one of my favorite producers sent me his rework of Sheppard‘s track entitled Geronimo. As I hit play and that sexy jazz intro slowly comes to life, I was sold. Bless him for that extra saxophone by Jinu Joo. Nothing is more satisfying than hearing saxophone on a slow lazy day.

Transforming an Indie-Pop track into Jazz-Hop, P.R and Awon clearly knows how to make something good into something equally as good [if not better]. Awon’s rap part complemented the flow of the track which added to the flare of the mix. It is quite addicting. Hit play and enjoy the smooth vibes.

BADBADNOTGOOD – Velvet

Toronto-based Jazz Trio BADBADNOTGOOD recently released a new single called “Velvet” and it’s one of the best tracks I have heard from the group in a while. This new single has the appeal of a jazz track you could find in your dad’s old 70s record collection so it’s a breathe of fresh air to see these classic sounds still finding it’s way in these modern times. A truly timeless sound that I can never get tired of BBNG did a great job on this track and I’m looking forward to their new material.

With You // Tennyson

Brother & Sister Duo, Tennyson, dropped a new track entitled With You. A fusion of jazz and electronic, it is a perfectly orchestrated mind game. It is playfully hypnotizing. This is just one of the few tracks up on their Soundcloud that will surely intoxicate anyone who plays it.

There was a time when I was extremely bothered by tracks with unending loops. It drives me nuts that it just goes on and on. But the tables have turned and now I have come to love it. These two have made it to a point where I recognize the annoying loops but the smoothness and charm of the track puts me to rest and gets me past it. Using everyday sounds such as beeps and laughter and throwing it into the pool, it is clear that creativity proves no bounds with these duo.

Here is another one I am crazy about, it’s called No Answer. Drop by their Soundcloud/Tennyson for more tunes.

This Simple Pleasure // Billie Black x Mura Masa

Obviously crazy about Mura Masa, I scouted for more tracks on his feed and stumbled upon this. Went completely gaga. 19 year old Billie Black is a Jazz Singer/Songwriter from London. Exposed to different varieties of music at an early age, this has sparked the plug and this young lady started making her own music. Listening to the likes of James Blake, Jessie Ware, Sampha and Kwabs, you can definitely hear their influences in her tracks.

She has two other songs up on her Soundcloud/BillieBlack, which are as equally addicting as this one! [I Don’t Need Another Lover, I Waited For You]

She has upcoming shows on October 15 in Hoxton, Courtyard [London] and October 17 in Fleche, D’Or [Paris] so if you’re within the area go see here for me! [Ticket details here.]

Strawberry Jam – Lot More Livin // Free Download

“Lot More Livin” is a delightfully arranged single, with a mixture of soulful vocals, drum machines, guitars, horns and synthesizers. There is not a lot revealed about the artists behind the track, only that one half of the duo is said to be made up of a member of Prince’s band. Be sure to look out for more from Strawberry Jam in the near future. Until then, stream the track below and if you feel it, go ahead and download it as this comes as a free download.

 

Elli Ingram.

I first saw Elli Ingram support Kwabs a few months back at Wilton’s Music Hall; a great venue for live music, by the way. Beautiful old hall with untouched floorboards and stripped walls. Anyway, she has a huge stage presence, and such a beautifully soulful voice. I’d like to say a young Amy Winehouse, purely because of the raw passion behind her voice. She has a few free downloads on her Soundcloud page so it is well worth grabbing those, and has 2 EPs out to date. Her first record was called ‘Sober’ with some nice dense production from bass producer Felix Joseph released through MTA about a year ago, and her most recent is ‘The Doghouse’ released through Island Records. For a mere total of £5, you can buy both. I have done. She has an incredible vocal range and a mesmerising air to her songs, perfect for summer outside and singing along to. If you get a chance to see her live, I highly recommend it. Last night her band boasted a drum box, guitar, bass and saxophone. Brilliant performance and a pleasure to watch her get carried away into a world of her own. Here is ‘All Caught Up’. I love a good female vocalist, me!

Laura Jae.

Laura is a singer/songwriter from SE London. She has a smooth and gentle voice, with cinematic and ambient production to her tracks. ‘Let Go’ was put out on Soundcloud a month ago, and is a free download. Echoes, beautiful vocals and wonderfully atmospheric production from AMOUR make for a dreamy late-night listen. Her work is interesting; I’m almost certain her cover of King Krule’s ‘Out Getting Ribs’ includes the sound fx of an iphone unlock swipe. Interested to see what else these two have to offer, they seem to work well together. Here is ‘Let Go’, grab the free downloads from her page.

https://soundcloud.com/laura-jae/let-go

Nehzuil.

He’s back with a beautiful new soulful rework of British favourite Corinne Bailey Rae’s biggest and most successful song. ‘Put Your Records On’ was her famous hit back in 2006, and Australia’s Nehzuil has re-vamped its sound. A deep bassline, subtle scratching, brass, organs and super-smooth semitone drops make us want to take an evening to ourselves with no disturbance. So take a listen, you go ahead let your hair down. Nehzuil is one of our favourite producers here at First Ear, and we are always excited to hear what he does next. Check it out.

Next Destination / P.R

 

3 weeks ago I was sent with the Remix Version of this track, (Next Destination feat. @Awon1988) but I just had to hear the original. The remix was good. Awon did a great job mixing it up with his sincere reminder that we all have to value life.

But the moment I hit play with this track, it was an instant attraction. Was madly in love just 5 seconds into playing it. Jazzy, soulful, with the latino flare spiking up the flavor and the hip-hop beats punching its way to the mix. I mean seriously, who wouldn’t go gaga over this? After weeks of listening to it I still am crazy about it!

Drop by his Soundcloud/pdotr to check out his other releases. His EP entitled Moment In Time is up for grabs, please go and get it!

(Free track download here.)

Robert L. Cunningham Jr. – Got To Get Ahead

Our focus is on posting new music, but every once in a while a track that was released months ago pops up on my soundcloud, and its so good I feel like I have to share it anyway, this is one of those tracks. The smooth saxophone accompanied by a funky little bassline will have you playing this on repeat.