Jerk - alarmed (DeepMatter) [Jazz]

Based in Brooklyn, Jerk is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer

with a knack for blending all the right jazz influences, often with a hip hop golden age sensibility, and who's been steadily building an impressive catalogue of music since 2019.

They've also got an album on the way, and "alarmed" is the latest teaser to hit the digital airwaves. Languid, classic-sounding drums courtesy of Martine Wade, a tight Rhodes refrain, tripped-out ambient synths and a warm but deadly bass groove - all courtesy of them - ease us into the track; the perfect intro for a song trying to capture the waking moments.

It sounds like they're not one for lie-ins though, or perhaps it's the sugar rush from a hastily wolfed down bowl of Frosties, but it's not long before they pick up a sax and in a second the horn sounds are spiralling into the air to pierce New York's rapidly developing haze, subtly supported in the soundstage distance by some seriously spirited free jazz blowing that squeals in the background, giving the cab horns a run for their money. It sounds like the jazz-hop continuum is in safe hands, look out for the album dropping on May 15th.

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Playlist Companion

Find Jerk in the Slow Jazz Playlist.