Releases you may have missed

Ten 2020 releases that might have flown under your radar

Aaron Taylor - Icarus

Debut full-length from promising South London neo-soul singer. A deeply and unapologetically romantic and sensual album, it delivers on the promise hinted at by his trio of preceding EPs.

FFO D’Angelo, Lalah Hathaway, Jose James

John Carroll Kirby - My Garden

Pianist, composer and producer with an all-star CV put his musical sketchings down on record. Imagine Herbie Hancock putting some instrumental tracks together for a Frank Ocean album.

FFO Herbie Hancock, Frank Ocean, Harry Styles

Ego Ella May - Honey For Wounds

A beautiful collection of heart-on-sleeve vignettes from a promising new vocalist. Restrained in a way that invites the listener in, honest in a way that compels them to listen further.

FFO Solange, Poppy Ajudha, Emily King

Tenderlonious - Quarentena

South London stalwart Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Cawthorne wears many hats on this release. Multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and record label owner, Cawthorne created and released this album entirely during lockdown which informs the dystopian synths and dance-floor ready beats..

FFO Yusef Lateef, Leon Vynehall, Emma-Jean Thackray

Charlotte Dos Santos - Harvest Time

A more delicate and esoteric proposition than her 2017 debut album ‘Cleo’. Voice and instrument weave a beautifully textured tapestry of melodies and harmonies that reveal themselves further with repeat listens.

FFO Lykki Li, Kadjha Bonet, Moses Sumney

Jaga Jazzist - Pyramid

Back after a five-year break between albums, legendary Norwegian future-jazz collective Jaga Jazzist’s 7th album is their most organic to date. Recorded over a period of three week the albums four pieces traverse styles but never lose focus.

FFO Kamasi Washington, Hidden Orchestra, Gogo Penguin

Dinner Party - Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington, 9th Wonder

Debut release from this collective made up of some of the most prolific and compelling artists. Jazz and R&B blend seamlessly across these seven tracks that compel you to nod your head while opening your eyes.

FFO Kaytranada, Common, The Free Nationals

Sarathy Kowar + Danalogue - Equinox

A textured and restrained 4 track ep from producer Danalogue (The Comet Is Coming, Soccer96) and Sarathy Korwar. 70’s sci-fi synths build to skyscraping crescendos all augmented by Korwar’s distinctive approach to percussion.

FFO Oneohtrix Point Never, Sun Ra, Julianna Barwick

Yazmin Lacey - Morning Matters

Effortless cool from one of the UK jazz scenes preeminent vocalists. With production straight from the 90’s neo-soul playbook augmented by modern jazz flourishes, we’re eagerly awaiting her debut full-length album.

FFO Jill Scott, Jose James, Jordan Rakei

Mansur Brown - Tesuto

Following up his sublime 2018 debut ‘Shiroi’, this three-track EP is another exhibition of Brown’s virtuoso guitar playing. Through texture and effects, the ex-Triforce member takes the guitar to a grittier, clubbier place.