Electric Highway Part 2 bridges the gap between their debut Sound & Reason album and the forthcoming follow up. Part 2 of this thematic jam expands on an idea first captured in the debut, but opens out both in sound and scope. Stabbing guitars and wobbling synths support a heavy bass and drum beat that can just as easily sit alongside hip-hop cuts as contemporary jazz pieces like the work of Vels Trio. 

New London based quartet Qwalia, led by drummer Yusuf Ahmed, offer a plethora of influences whilst remaining resolutely itself. Assembled from musicians who play with David Byrne, Joy Crookes, Nubiyan Twist, Frank Ocean, Jordan Rakei, Sampha, Cat Stevens and more; Yusuf is joined by Tal Janes on guitars and vocals, Ben Reed on bass and keyboardist Joseph Costi. Qwalia’s debut album ‘Sound And Reason’ is set for release by Alberts Favourites on 24th March 2023.

Electric Highway Part 2

Qwalia - Electric Highway Part 2

Gloriosa (feat. Brandee Younger)

Bebaynetu

All The Same

Nubiyan Twist and Ria Moran - All The Same

Irini Arabatzi has quietly been bringing her uplifting presence and sublime vocal talent to the UK jazz and soul scene for a few years now. But we've yet to experience her vision and songwriting in a solo context. 

2024 is the year that all changes. The lightest of touches fuses exemplary pop sensibilities with folk and soul sounds and rhythms. Her guitar threads through evolving soundscapes while memorable melodies anchor each moment. She holds a song is a beguiling introduction and just a hint of what is to come with her debut EP this spring.

She Holds A Song (for I.)

Irini Arabatzi - She Holds A Song

Inês Loubet is one of London's most exciting multi-instrumentalist, songwriters and singers, navigating the influences of Jazz, vibrant latin-grooves and her native language, Portuguese.  

"The inspiration behind this song came from growing up in Porto, Portugal, surrounded by a Cape-Verdean community of musicians, and as I developed a deep connection with my friends, I also witnessed the racism they faced on a daily basis. In the song, I write a letter that I needed to get off my chest, enumerating a number of things that have to dramatically change in our society so we can finally live in a more just world, so we can all stand up against racism. I say “each one of us is responsible for doing their part, thinking deeper than our grandparents, enough of the same jobs, enough with the rude jokes”. I wrote it in the Cape-Verdean rhythm Coladera. This special track features brilliant master percussionist and composer Peu Meurray, London-based tenor saxophonist and producer Mark Cake and accordion player Marcelo Andrade. "

Loubet has performed alongside Brazilian legends Gilberto Gil & João Bosco and cowrote and performed on the incredible Caravela album Orla on None More Records. 

"An extraordinarily accomplished debut by a band with something to say" 4 out of 5 stars - Songlines Magazine on Caravela's Orla

"One of the albums of the year so far!" - Strut Records on Caravela's Orla

Loubet's projects have been praised by the likes of Gilles Peterson and The Line of Best Fit, as well as earned her several UK and international tours and radio appearances at Jazz Fm and BBC Radio 3. Loubet is also the recipient of the Drake Yolanda Award 2022 and Arts Council Lottery Project Grant 2023 for her SENGA UK Tour.

Irini Arabatzi - She Holds A Song

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