Highly innovative New Zealand-born drummer, producer, and beatmaker Myele Manzanza, who now resides in London, has teamed up with a stellar cast of musicians to release a brilliant new EP on DeepMatter Records inspired by the city he lives in, and the challenging times we currently face, titled Crisis & Opportunity Vol. 1.

This remarkable five-track recording features a nice blend of forward-thinking soulful jazz mixed with broken beat rhythms, cosmic electronic tones, and globally-inspired grooves. The record’s themes are a reflection of the necessary COVID-19 lockdowns and their painful economic impact it caused, as well as the broader racial crisis that became front and center following the murder of George Floyd and countless other Black people by the hands of the police.

Backing Manzanza, who holds it down on drums and production, on this session features some of the most talented London musicians including pianist Ashley Henry, trumpeter James Copus, tenor saxophonist George Crowley, and bassist Benjamin Muralt, with some additional contributions from Los Angeles-based broken beat pioneer Mark de Clive-Lowe on synths.

Solid from start to finish, Crisis & Opportunity Vol. 1 is a superb recording from Manzanza and a group of outstanding musicians whom are consistently pushing the music forward. Highly recommend!

Myele Manzanza — ‘Crisis Opportunity Vol. 1 — London’
(DeepMatter Records)

1. Big Deal 2 (Bigger Deals)
2. Portobello Superhero
3. Brixton Blues
4. London
5. Crisis & Opportunity

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• Broken Beat
• Jazz Dance
• Jazz Funk