Nubiyan Twist, “Find Your Flame”

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Formed at Leeds College of Music back in 2011, nine-piece ensemble Nubiyan Twist have spent the last 13 years carving out a brassy and energetic fusion of jazz, funk, and soul. Their latest album, Find Your Flame, is a slick meeting of musical influences from around the world. In many ways, the funky, horn-heavy sound that Nubiyan Twist explores throughout Find Your Flame seems like a logical descendant of London’s storied acid jazz scene. The sound first incubated in London clubs in the ’80s as DJs sought to introduce the soul-jazz, bebop, and Latin jazz records of the ’60s to contemporary audiences. By the early ’90s, the acid jazz banner was embraced by British bands, and the tight, jazz-inflected funk they played exploded into a brief global movement. While the similarities between Nubiyan Twist and their acid jazz forebears are evident, Find Your Flame takes a broader approach by incorporating contemporary R&B, disco, and Afrobeat into its sound.
Like many of the British bands that came before them—like James Taylor Quartet and Incognito— Nubiyan Twist bounces around, incorporating a variety of genres, but the eclecticism never feels haphazard or lazy. The album opens with an understated and regal brass theme that signals the beginning of “Battle Isn’t Over.” A laid-back but triumphant meditation on perseverance, “Battle Isn’t Over” is led by vocalist Aziza Jaye’s gorgeous vocals. When she sings, “This life, it isn’t for the faint-hearted/ I try to be open-hearted,” the band swells behind her beautifully, mirroring the lyrics’ uplifting sentiments. The collaborations roll on with “Lights Out,” a groovy disco-jazz anthem featuring Chic bassist and producer Nile Rodgers; “All The Same,” a dancefloor gem led by singer-composer Ria Moran; Fela Kuti’s son Seun Kuti carries the driving, Afrobeat burner “Carry Me,” introducing Nigerian influences into the mix that are explored further on “Pray For Me Part. 1,” featuring experimental jazz fusion artist NeONE the Wonderer. The end result is an absolutely joyous listen, full of tight instrumentation and life-affirming messages.
from bandcamp

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snobb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Forum Admin Group Site Admin Joined: 22 Dec 2010 Location: Vilnius Status: Online Points: 28556	Post Options Post Reply Quote snobb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Nubiyan Twist, “Find Your Flame” Posted: 09 May 2024 at 9:34am
	Formed at Leeds College of Music back in 2011, nine-piece ensemble Nubiyan Twist have spent the last 13 years carving out a brassy and energetic fusion of jazz, funk, and soul. Their latest album, Find Your Flame, is a slick meeting of musical influences from around the world. In many ways, the funky, horn-heavy sound that Nubiyan Twist explores throughout Find Your Flame seems like a logical descendant of London’s storied acid jazz scene. The sound first incubated in London clubs in the ’80s as DJs sought to introduce the soul-jazz, bebop, and Latin jazz records of the ’60s to contemporary audiences. By the early ’90s, the acid jazz banner was embraced by British bands, and the tight, jazz-inflected funk they played exploded into a brief global movement. While the similarities between Nubiyan Twist and their acid jazz forebears are evident, Find Your Flame takes a broader approach by incorporating contemporary R&B, disco, and Afrobeat into its sound. Like many of the British bands that came before them—like James Taylor Quartet and Incognito— Nubiyan Twist bounces around, incorporating a variety of genres, but the eclecticism never feels haphazard or lazy. The album opens with an understated and regal brass theme that signals the beginning of “Battle Isn’t Over.” A laid-back but triumphant meditation on perseverance, “Battle Isn’t Over” is led by vocalist Aziza Jaye’s gorgeous vocals. When she sings, “This life, it isn’t for the faint-hearted/ I try to be open-hearted,” the band swells behind her beautifully, mirroring the lyrics’ uplifting sentiments. The collaborations roll on with “Lights Out,” a groovy disco-jazz anthem featuring Chic bassist and producer Nile Rodgers; “All The Same,” a dancefloor gem led by singer-composer Ria Moran; Fela Kuti’s son Seun Kuti carries the driving, Afrobeat burner “Carry Me,” introducing Nigerian influences into the mix that are explored further on “Pray For Me Part. 1,” featuring experimental jazz fusion artist NeONE the Wonderer. The end result is an absolutely joyous listen, full of tight instrumentation and life-affirming messages. from bandcamp