Brixton lad and multi-instrumentalist Simon Jefferis has been making low-key waves for some time in the UK hip hop world but with his new full length album ‘Vibrations’ (which came out on DeepMatter in June), he has planted his flag as a contender in London’s world-beating jazz scene. Boom bap meets soul jazz, warm yet neck-snapping production and exceptional live instrumentation (nearly all of it done by Simon) with some standout vocal performances from guests Rosie Lowe, Abhi the Nomad and more propel a summer soundtrack reminiscent of early 90’s New York or the Bay Area scene. It’s not all ‘golden era’ US hip hop though, London has all the feels in this, a street soul attitude with echoes of Total Refreshment Centre jams.
There’s a pervading atmosphere of relaxation throughout, a confidence that perhaps comes from jamming with just yourself. He should be confident, Simon’s grasp of whatever instrument that he’s playing has a sureness of touch, nothing is overplayed, whatever the groove needs, nothing more. Whilst drowning in an abundance of new music recently, ‘Vibrations’ is a record I keep returning to, something new revealed with each listen.
I asked Simon a few questions….
How much has your geographical location been important to your music and sound? Does it actually matter being in S London? Do you feel part of the London jazz scene or is it a more global vision for you?
Geographical location has been massive for my sound. There are so many flavours coming out of London that will have influenced me both actively and passively. I think that’s why there are so many different ‘genres’ within the album. I love hip-hop, jazz, soul and afrobeat and you hear a lot of different expressions of these in London and the UK at the moment. I wanted to give the songs space, so when we play live they can be extended. That comes directly from a lot of jam nights or gigs I’ve been to, where there will be a hypnotic bassline and percussion as a bed for improvisation on top. That being said, I don’t think it matters where you are, it’s a sound that can be tapped into anywhere but there just happens to be a lot of exciting things happening in London at the moment
Are you self-taught as a player or have you gone through Tomorrow's Warriors or something similar?
I had drum lessons as a kid, but stopped when I was around 16. A lot of what I learnt on guitar and bass was from growing up in church where there was quite an inclusive attitude towards people learning and playing music. I often wish I’d had more formal training though… I’m often thinking about taking up lessons again, as I want to keep growing.
I can hear some of your influences (perhaps)...what sounds and artists have been key references in your career?
With this record there was a wide range of influences really. Some of the more classic sounding stuff was influenced by the Soulquarians - D’Angelo, Dilla, Badu. Donald Byrd really inspired me, I love his use of percussion and often his basslines. DJ Harrison is always inspiring me. Karriem Riggins, Fela. Then all those in London at the moment who are killing it - Ezra, PYJÆN, Joe Armon-Jones, Oscar Jerome, Blue Lab Beats. I look up to all those guys a lot.
I can hear you doing well in the States, who would you love to work with and why?
That’s a good question, I love all the Butcher Brown guys but feel I’d want to learn more from them than work with them. Same with DJ Jazzy Jeff and his crew. If I could pick any US rapper to work with I think it would be Q-tip, just for me I feel like I know his voice so well and have listened to Tribe for so long, it would be mad to hear him on a track of my own.
How does it feel getting an album release during lockdown? Must be a challenge when you want to play it live?
Complete mixed feelings. On the one hand I know a lot of my friends have enjoyed music during this time, as it’s one of the few things we’ve been able to keep doing. And ultimately it’s really nice to have it out there. But it’s been hard to not have any live shows planned, as this would be the time now when I’d be performing it. Maybe that will make it all the more special when we finally can.
BUY HERE! https://simonjefferis.bandcamp.com/
Words: Justin Turford