I’m sure I’m not the only person who’s feeling a bit jaded after more than a year of the pandemic. I’m struggling to look fwd to gigs or festivals because so many have been moved and cancelled already.
One thing that’s been keeping me going though is the fact that all bar one of my favourite artists have new music in the pipeline: Skating Polly, Emika, Kaelan Mikla, Krakow Loves Adana and Beach Bunny. Not to mention my favourite album of the year so far, Glume’s debut The Internet – if that doesn’t end up in my end of year Top 10 albums, I’ll eat my hat!
What I wasn’t expecting, was that my other favourite artist, Roots Manuva would be releasing new music!
His last album “Bleeds” was released in 2015. Whilst there have been excellent collaborations with Morcheeba, Ocean Wisdom and Cinematic Orchestra, he didn’t seem in a good place when I saw him live in 2017 so I did wonder whether or not he was semi-retired from music.
Whilst I don’t want to get too carried away, the announcement didn’t give much away, maybe it will be a one off single with no album planned, however any new music from Rodney is always a celebration – both because it’s new Roots Manuva music, and because he’s back in a place where he is ready to make music.
The video for new single “So Jazzy” is released on Saturday 26th June 2021 at 1pm.
Keep an eye on his socials for updates.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t seen it yet (I only really watch netflix etc so I’ve never seen it broadcast), Ikea synced Witness (1 Hope) for their advert. Quite appropriate really because once you get into Roots Manuva’s music, just like Idea there is no way out 🙂
Notice how they edit out “bitter”! Presumably because you can’t advertise alcohol on television.
If you like smooth soulful music, check out his band mate and partner Alex Watson’s band Bastedo
Alex has collaborated on some great projects and with some great and musicians and producers. Chaz Jankel (Ian Dury and the Blockheads), Ray St John (Sade’s Smooth Operator,) Ian Green, Ray Keith, Border Crossing (More to Life, Freedom of Speech), Mentat, Martin Brammer, (Lifted, Lighthouse Family). Touring with the likes of Border Crossing, Roots Manuva, Plan B, Harry Shotta, Chaz Jankel, Jimmy Screech and Ricky Ranking. Alex is a songwriter who writes top lines for a range of projects; pop, drum and bass, garage, hip hop, dance R&B etc. However, she says “Being able to sing some of my own songs as is from the heart …that’s where Bastedo comes in.”
So Jazzy by Roots Manuva video premiere will take place on 26th June 2021 at 1pm
So Jazzy cover image © Roots Manuva
Main image: John W. King / Live Music Pix
