Ezra Collective’s "Dance, No One's Watching" blends modern jazz, Afrobeat, and hip-hop, creating a rhythmic journey through celebration and discovery. The London-based quintet roots its sound in improvisation, with fast-paced drumming and syncopated brass that recalls the energy of Fela Kuti's Afrobeat — and it begins quickly with ‘The Herald.’ Bold melodies, rhythmic complexity, a balance of head-nodding grooves, and meditative tracks anchor this brilliant new album.
Comparisons can be drawn to Snarky Puppy’s genre-bending fusion, The Comet Is Coming for sometimes off-center experimentation, and Kamal Williams for its infectious grooves. Tracks like ‘The Traveller’ and ‘Everybody’ reflect this dynamism with upbeat anthems and reflective passages. Special guests include British singer-songwriter Yazmin Lacey on ‘God Give Me Feet for Dancing,’ neo-soul singer Olivia Dean, Ghanaian rapper M.anifest, and more.
Ezra Collective crafts an album that’s accessible yet deeply rooted in technical jazz mastery. It’s a must-listen for those interested in a modern take on jazz fusion mixed with soul and R&B. A great album from start to finish. And yes, it will make you want to dance, even if someone is watching. 👍
Favorite Tracks: The Traveller, Ajala, No One’s Watching Me, Hear Me Cry, and Everybody
Listen on Apple Music • Listen on QoBuz • Listen on Bandcamp
Cheers, JB