Our latest guest playlist is here, and it is fantastic, lovingly curated by BOREAL SUN, a duo comprising Matt Roberts and Liselotte Östblom.
The pair channels the 1970s jazz fusion excursions of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter through the lens of London’s dancefloor-ready broken beat and acid jazz movements.
Over the past few months, they’ve been peeling the layers off their upcoming debut project. Noteworthy contributors include bassist/producer Robin Mullarkey (Brotherly, Jacob Collier), percussionist Yahael Camara Onono (Balimaya Project), saxophonist Emma Rawicz, drummer Josh Blackmore (Troyka, SiZE), and many more, who all add their unique touches to this EP.
We’re thrilled they took the time to curate this fantastic playlist for us! It’s brimming with fabulous songs spanning a wide range of genres and styles. It showcases talent from artists such as Tawiah, Caroline Polachek, Tigran Hamasyan, Balimaya Project, and many others. Immerse yourself in the music while exploring the pair’s enlightening thoughts on their chosen tracks below.
Tawiah – Watch Out
Tawiah’s first offering ‘In Jodi’s Bedroom’ (2007) is one of our favourite EPs of all time. Incredible production, song-writing and vocal performances throughout. No skips! The production on this track, the lead guitar line in particular, influenced our new single: ‘Horizon (Now is the Time)’.
Brotherly – Searching
It’s impossible to overstate the influence Brotherly have had on BOREAL SUN. Their first record ‘One Sweet Life’ also came out in 2007 – what year for UK music! The balance of acoustic instruments and synthesisers; the balance of catchy, soulful vocal hooks over complex, driving, syncopated beats – it’s all done so tastefully. No wonder it continues to inspire young musician’s in the UK and beyond. We’re incredibly fortunate that bassist/producer Robin Mullarky contributed some additional synth parts to our new single.
Kaidi Tatham – Try n Follow
I remember asking Robin Mullarky where he got the inspiration for Brotherly’s first record and he turned me onto the broken beat (‘bruk’) scene of the 90’s and 00’s. Kaidi Tatham is my favourite artist from that whole scene – such an incredible catalogue. So consistently inventive. He’s still releasing amazing work. Love this little ditty from ‘An Insight To All Minds’ (2021).
Radiant Children – Go Left
Fabienne and Marco of Radiant Children are friends of ours. We love the way the track ends with a glorious string orchestra arrangement – this is what inspired the string arrangement at the end of our latest single: ‘Horizon (Now is the Time)’.
Afro-Cuban All Stars – Gandinga, mondongo sandunga
The first time you hear this track, the impulse is to figure what time signature it’s in, but then you start dancing to the music and realise that it’s in 4/4! The verse of our new single ‘Horizon (Now is the Time)’ is based on the rhythmic structure of this salsa classic.
Art Blakey’s Jazz Messenger’s with Thelonious Monk – Evidence
Jazz is a point of mutual love for both of us. This record is the meeting of two colossal figures in the music: Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Similar to ‘Gandinga, mondongo, sandunga’, this Monk composition uses syncopation to disguise where the true pulse is. Love Bill Hardman on trumpet on this – an underrated and overlooked figure in my opinion.
Genevieve Artadi – Hot Mess
Genevieve is probably most known for her work with KNOWER, but we also love her solo releases. Quirky, haunting vocals over hypnotic grooves – a unique voice in today’s musical landscape.
Caroline Polachek – Door
Both of Caroline’s albums are amazing start to finish. We love this track for all the space in the production, which brings the attention to Caroline’s vocals and the story she’s telling. Outstanding.
Tigran Hamasyan – Entertain Me
Armenian jazz pianist/composer Tigran Hamasyan has managed to translate elements of the Armenian folk tradition into a jazz trio setting. The syncopation in this track is wild – but, like with the other tracks on this playlist, the prevailing time signature is 4/4. Groovy as hell!
Balimaya Project – Seasons of Baraka
We think Balimaya Project are one of the most exciting groups coming out of the UK scene at the moment. Their leader, Yahael Camara Onono, is featured on our 2nd single: ‘New Beginning’. This track takes the listener on a wild ride – driving grooves, soaring improvisations, horn and string arrangements; it’s a tour de force!
The Brand New Heavies – Brother Sister
We love The Brand New Heavies. Matt recently had the honour of arranging and conducting the strings for their recent project with the London Concert Orchestra. This track is so simple and understated. Love the trumpet blow at the end!
TRUE THINK – What Say You?
UK jazz pianist/composer Robert Mitchell is a legend of the scene here. Liselotte has recently been working with him as part of his TRUE THINK project. Check them out!
Dianne Reeves – Fascinating Rhythm
Dianne Reeves’ 2001 album ‘The Calling’ features this Billy Childs arrangement of the Gershwin classic. We love how inventive it is, both rhythmically and harmonically. As for Dianne? She is one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, simple!
Angus Bayley – Connect
New release from London keys player Angus Bayley that features our wonderful drummer, Josh Blackmore.
Patrice Rushen – I Was Tired of Being Alone
We had to include some Patrice Rushen on this playlist – she’s been a huge influence on this project. The grooves, the horn arrangements, the vocal hooks – it’s so well crafted. Recently, we’ve been enjoying this cut from her 1982 record ‘Straight From the Heart’.
