‘Sparkling Clover’ is a track from the forthcoming second album, Getaway, by Begian Ethio jazz quartet Kolonel Djafaar.

This brass-led ensemble is known for its seamless blend of Afrobeat with Ethio jazz and psych rock. Catching the ears of tastemakers like Music Is My Sanctuary, Worldwide FM, and Soho Radio with their 2021 ‘Cold Heat’ EP. The band is readying for the release of Getaway, which shows them broadening their sound palette. We’re thrilled to premiere this sneak peek at the band’s evolution over the past few years.

Kolonel Djafaar crafted the majority of the record and amassed several new band members, including Emiel Lauryssen, who joined on trumpet alongside guitarist Philip Matthhijnssens. Together, they immersed themselves in the creative process, embracing the freedom to make noise without restraint. This ushers a pivotal shift for the band’s latest project and future endeavours.

Each track on ‘Getaway’ stems from the collaborative approach to songwriting. ‘Sparking Clover’ is no different in this regard. This Ethio-inspired psych and soul groover is the brainchild of tenor saxophonist Doyin Smith.

‘Sparking Clover’ starts with a short drum fill, soon caught up by laid-back arpeggiated chords on the guitar. The main motif is then introduced, overlaid with a second melody that flourishes on its own and bolsters the motif at the same time over the background of an Afrobeat and Ethio-jazz-inspired tight, groovy pocket by percussion, drums, and bass—the rhythm section.

The saxophone and trumpet join in the mix and spin the motif differently before playing in unison. Repeated listening reveals a subtle story spoken in the language of the instruments. The woodwind and brass-focused sections give off a poignant and introspective undertone inspired by personal loss, which stands as a stark contrast against the motif, which incites a feeling of attaining clarity of one’s chaotic mind. This dichotomy of two opposing states will resonate with the tug of war between an individual’s own yin and yang.