Words by Justin Turford
If you’re into the genre-blur that is UK jazz in the last few years then you will definitely have come across Jay Phelps. For 20 years he has been a constant swirl of ideas and a connective tissue to so many aspects of the scene; in many ways a pioneer for the multi-limbed beast jazz has become on this island. A former sideman for George Benson, Amy Winehouse and more, the Canadian-born trumpeter, DJ and producer has a new album on its way called ‘The Now’, an exploration of the more club-heavy jazz inspired by the dancefloors of Detroit and the UK, allied with the wonky sonic investigations of the leftfield scenes of Los Angeles.
The first single 'Finding Centaurii' is a wild ride. Straddling the progressive sounds of all three aforementioned cities, the song comes at you from many angles. Locked down enough to be a dancefloor destroyer (think ‘Rye Lane Shuffle’ by Moses Boyd), the production is paradoxically loose enough to be untethered in its ambition. The squelchy Parliament x Thundercat-esque synth and electric basses rumble with intent, super tight Roy Hargrove style horn work and edgy, occasionally batshit improvised solos stir the stew into moments of delirious chaos before pulling itself taut once again. With killer players including David Mrakpor (Blue Lab Beats), Tom Ford (Chris Dave, Reuben James), flautist Ruta Sipola and Nicola Guida (Secret Night Gang), Jay Phelps is not messing about. As opening announcements go, ‘Finding Centaurii' demands to be heard.
"Imagine a Brainfeeder-inspired soundtrack to a fleet of spaceships destined for a New World, on a journey that will change humanity forever. Finding Centaurii is that soundtrack."
'Finding Centaurii' is released on 30 March 2023
‘The Now’ is released on 23 June 2023