AmaJ - Lonely Blue (Third Floor) [Jazz / Singer Songwriter]

There's not much to tell about AmaJ apart from some great music and a few pictures, mainly because there hasn't been much written, but by digging into buried song credits it appears to be the solo project of vocalist, sax and guitar-playing producer Alex Foreman from the UK.

I do know he's making good music though, as I previously slipped the "Vase of Life" - which showcases his folkier side, into a playlist at the start of the year. "Lonely Blue" is an altogether different kettle of fish though. Yes, the intimate, introspective vocals and sparing, thoughtful guitar are still there, but the song mines an altogether deeper jazz vocal seam within this young artist's soul - one which we need to hear more of.

It also nicely showcases his accomplished sax playing, the instrument threading its warm undercurrent under and around the voice. Lurking in the background is some, wisely light-touch, production - field recordings and subtle atmospheric embellishment that are designed to elevate rather than distract from the vocal and instrumental stars of the show. The actual production and recording quality has also drastically improved in the last six months: this song is intimate yet immediate, a place for everything and everything in its place; nothing shrouded in stray frequencies.

AmaJ sounds like a young artist polishing his craft in full view of a still largely unaware world, but I for one, am pulling up a chair.

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Playlist Companion

Find AmaJ in the Slow Jazz Playlist.