London-based keyboard wiz Joe Armon-Jones, who is also a member of the UK Afrobeat-inspired group Ezra Collective and a regular collaborator with saxophonist Nubya Garcia, follows up his two incredible breakthrough solo releases on Gilles Peterson’s Brownwood Recordings, with a superb 10-inch single Pray on his newly launch label Aquarii.

“Pray” is a brilliant seven-plus minute mid tempo cosmic jazz groover featuring Morgan Simpson of Black Midi on drums alongside Luke Wynter of Nubiyan Twist on bass. The track blends Armon-Jones soulful piano melodies and hypnotic vocals with spacey atmospheric tones, and a funky in-the-pocket bass-drum backing rhythm. On the flip, features the vinyl only track “Nothing Move”.

The amazing artwork for the record was done by regular collaborator Divya Scialo.

If this falls in a similar sequence as the previous 10-inch he released, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a new full-length album from Armon-Jones in the very near future. Until then, another great track from one of the most forward-thinking artists among the UK jazz scene and beyond.

Joe Armon-Jones — ‘Pray’ 10″
(Aquarii Records)

A SIDE: Pray
B SIDE: Nothing Move

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• Cosmic
• Jazz Funk