Jazz-meets-West African rhythms on KOKOROKO’s debut EP
Led by, trumpeter and visual artist Sheila Maurice-Grey, the West African influenced jazz group returns with their four-song debut EP on Brownswood.
Last year, when Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label released the London jazz-focused compilation We Out Here, it might of been safe to say that KOKOROKO was only many people’s radar. Even with other rising London-based artists like Shabaka Hutchings, Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, Theon Cross, and Moses Boyd, the eight-piece ensemble seemed to arguably contribute the record’s most notable track in “Abusey Junction,” receiving high-praise globally (also named BeatCaffeine Best Track of 2018). The track was also featured heavily on the documentary that complimented the groundbreaking compilation. Since that time, many were eager for the group’s debut record.
About a year following the release of We Out Here, the group’s debut EP has finally dropped and it absolutely delivers. Featuring four great tracks, that includes the beautifully meditative “Abusey Junction,” the recording nicely blends West African and Ethio-jazz influences, with Afrobeat rhythms, soaring horn melodies, and soul-shaking grooves.
As bandleader Maurice-Grey stated with the release of this record “This is not idle music!”, and that is definitely the case on tracks like Afrobeat-meets-jazz “Adwa,” and “Uman.”
Like “Abusey Junction,” the second track on the EP , “Ti-de,” has a more sonically mellow vibe that really compliments the more high energy moments on the recording.
The band also features some of the best musicians currently coming out of the thriving London jazz scene, including saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi (also of Nérija and SEED Ensemble), trombonist Richie Seivewright, guitarist Oscar Jerome (also of Maisha), Yohan Kebede on keys, bassist Mutale Chashi, drummer Ayo Salawu, and percussionist Onome Edgeworth.
Overall, KOKOROKO has delivered one of the best records of the year, brilliantly fusing together Afrobeat influences with a West African approach to jazz and improvisation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
KOKOROKO — ‘s/t EP’
(Brownswood)
1. Adwa
2. Ti-de
3. Uman
4. Abusey Junction
