Jazz Room Records releases Takumi Moriya’s rendition of Joe McPhee’s “Shakey Jake” on 7inch
In what is arguably one of the most anticipated releases of early 2024, Paul Murphy’s superb Jazz Room Records will be issuing a must-own 7inch single this month from Japanese producer and bassist Takumi Moriya, featuring his brilliant new take on Joe McPhee’s 1970 soul-jazz classic “Shakey Jake”.
For those that have watched the incredible Apple TV series Severance, which debuted in February 2022, this new rendition of “Shakey Jake” memorably appeared during episode 7, which was appropriately titled “Defiant Jazz” (click here to watch). It is truly one of the greatest scenes in television history (and I know that’s saying something).
With Paul being a fan of the show, he immediately knew he had to put this track out after watching the episode. Moriya’s version is right up there with the original, maintaining the same funky soulful adventurous energy with souring saxophones, guitars, keys, and driving dancefloor grooves.
The 6-minute B-side original “Night Dream” is also very worthy of holding it’s own weight, featuring some “cool-down” cosmic jazz vibes that have a very Lonnie Liston Smith like feel.
We are just in the first month of the new calendar year, however you can already slot this into the “records you need to own” list for 2024. Don’t sleep, I expect this one to sell out very quickly!
“Break out the Maracca’s”
Takumi Moriya Black Nation — ‘Shakey Jake/ Night Dream’ 7″
(Jazz Room Records)
A SIDE: Shakey Jake
B SIDE: Night Dream
