Following up on 2019’s standout debut full-length Scheming, the outstanding Bristol quartet known as The Jazz Defenders returns with a brilliant new 7inch release on the UK-based Haggis Records, featuring two superb dancefloor jazz selections.

With a sound that would fit right in there with those classic Blue Note soul-jazz sessions by legends Blue Mitchell, Lou Donaldson, Donald Byrd, Gene Harris and others, these two tracks capture a “throwback” 60s era vibe while still pushing the music forward. “The Big Man” is a funky “feel-good” jazz dance gem with a nod to the heyday of the UK Acid jazz scene, while “Love’s Vestige” is a Latin-flavored soulful Mod-jazz groover.

Led by one of the UK’s most formidable jazz pianists, George Cooper, the group also features a fantastic cast of musicians that includes trumpeter Nicholas Malcolm, saxophonist Nick Dover, bassist Will Harris, and drummer Ian Matthews.

This essential 45rpm single is just a little taster for the quintet’s highly-anticipated sophomore full-length release, which will be out later this year. Until then, these tracks should be able to keep the jazz dancefloor movin’.

The Jazz Defenders — ‘The Big Man / Love’s Vestige’ 7″
(Haggis Records)

A SIDE: The Big Man
B SIDE: Love’s Vestige

BUY RECORD

• Funk 45
• Jazz
• Jazz Dance