Glasgow’s highly-talented Nimbus Sextet follow-ups their impressive breakthrough debut Dreams Fulfilled, with a superb sophomore release on the Acid Jazz label, appropriately titled Forward Thinker.

Recorded and produced again by Nuovi Fratelli, which is the brilliant production duo team of Wayne A. Dickson and Luigi Pasquini, this incredible seven-track album has a strong 70s jazz-funk inspired sound with a clear nod towards Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, all while pushing the music forward. The recording features a solid blend of cosmic jazz dance grooves, soulful soaring horns, acoustic and synth based keys, psychedelic tones, and a funky rhythm section.

Both the title track, “Forward Thinker” (featuring London trombonist Nathaniel Cross) and the closer “To The Light” are surely future classics in the making, while the LP’s single “High Time” featuring vocalist Charlotte de Graaf seems to capture the spirit of those essential Roy Hargrove led RH Factor neo-soul recordings. Showcasing the group’s diversity, the album’s second side offers a concept trilogy where bandleader, primary composer, and keyboardist Joe Nichols explores the emotional journey that he went on during the isolated lockdown.

Featuring some heavy-weight virtuosic musicians, the session also includes long-time collaborators Alex Palmer (drums) and Mischa Stevens (bass), rounded out by trumpeter Euan Allardice, saxophonist Michael Butcher, and guitarist Honza Kourimsky.

On Forward Thinker, the group has done just that, taking their adventurous jazz-funk sound to new heights and producing their most complete recording to date. With the release of just a few outstanding recordings, Nimbus Sextet have quickly established themselves as one of the most prominent groups among the UK jazz scene.

Nimbus Sextet’s ‘Forward Thinker’ is officially released via Acid Jazz on May 27th.

Nimbus Sextet — ‘Forward Thinker’
(Acid Jazz)

1. High Time (featuring Charlotte de Graaf)
2. Forward Thinker
3. Woodview (Interlude)
4. Another Place
5. Search For Solace
6. From The Shadows
7. To The Light

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• Cosmic
• Jazz
• Jazz Dance
• Jazz Funk