Having spent most of 2019 on tour, the inspiration for this new project was borne from a conversation with a dancer about the connection between vibrations and movement. Coupled with the undeniable impact of a global pandemic and with racial injustice taking centre stage, JAB shifted the focus of his compositions from complex rhythms to displaying raw emotion, tapping into the shared inescapable rollercoaster experience of life in lockdown. With a deep desire to create a sound that defies expectations of “dancefloor” club music, the EP was recorded with live instrumentation in isolated sessions via UK, New York, Lithuania, Poland, with the finishing touches completed in France where the EP was fully realised.
JAB is a multi-percussionist and producer, born and raised in London. His first release, ‘Directions’, was nominated for ‘Track of The Year’ at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards in 2019 and more recently added to the latest Grand Theft Auto V game in 2020. JAB has supported a wide array of artists like; Theo Parrish, Amp Fiddler, Alfa Mist, Floating Points, both live and in session. Influenced by iconic artists Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Roy Ayers, Buena Vista Social Club; rhythm and good vibes are encapsulated in JAB’s musical tapestries, making his music impossible to ignore as he strives to create a space for introducing lesser known rhythms to wider audiences.
“This was the last song I composed on the record, and is probably my favorite track as I achieved the tight deadline I gave myself to complete it and portray the last chapter of the year. Emotionally it sums up how the end of 2020 was for most of Europe – duped, plunging back into covid lockdowns, festivities cancelled – the pandemic had seemed to have won the end of the year – Checkmate!” – JAB
The full EP is available in 12” LP & digital formats on March 19th 2021 via label, Joon Dada.