London’s Ezra Collective returns with incredible new album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’
Ever since the group’s 2016 EP Chapter 7, the five-piece Ezra Collective have been at the forefront of the thriving London jazz scene, releasing the highly acclaimed follow-up EP Juan Pablo: The Philosopher (2017), their debut LP You Can’t Steal My Joy (2019) and a few limited singles. The quintet returns with an incredible new full-length on the Brooklyn-based label Partisan Records, titled Where I’m Meant To Be.
This expansive 14-track 2xLP recording incorporates the group’s signature jazz-funk meets Afrobeat sound with elements of hip-hop, dub, soul, and Latin grooves that are primed to make a dancefloor move. This outstanding sophomore full-length also includes an impressive cast of special guests like Sampa The Great, Kojey Radical, Emile Sandé, Steve McQueen, and Nao.
Led by drummer Femi Koleoso, the band also features his brother and bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and tenor saxophonist James Mollison, all of whom are very active in their own right among the London scene.
Available in black, orange, marble orange, and crystal clear vinyl, the album artwork seems to be a nod to Thelonious Monk’s iconic 1968 record Underground, which is a nice touch.
With Where I’m Meant To Be, Ezra Collective continues to expand their sound and explore new territory musically, resulting in their most adventurous and collaborative recording to date. Highly recommended!
Ezra Collective — ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’
(Partisan Records)
- Life Goes On (feat. Sampa The Great)
- Victory Dance 04:55
- No Confusion (feat. Kojey Radical)
- Welcome To My World
- Togetherness
- Ego Killah
- Smile
- Live Strong
- Siesta (feat. Emeli Sandé)
- Words by Steve
- Belonging
- Never the Same Again
- Words by TJ
- Love In Outer Space (feat. Nao)
