Saturday morning listen: Norwich born guitarist singer-songwriter Oscar Jerome studied at Trinity Laban Conservatoire and his inspirations include George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, and John Martyn.
Hear him with Kokoroko above.
He debuted in 2020 with Breathe Deep.
Topping the official UK jazz and blues chart recently this isn’t for purists. It’s actually pretty ungeneric and that is part of its strength. But such shape shifting is better for people who primarily want a chill out mellow sound, some cool riffery and catchy songs. Elements of indie jazz, hip-hop, and world music are interspersed in the sound which is at its lushest on the strings soaked title track. Hak Baker raps on ‘Worth Nothin”. Ma.Moyo & Anaiis are also featured.
Jerome produced the album himself, part of the process involved sampling elements of his earlier album The Spoon which didn’t grab me as much as this latest. Pick of the tracks? Oh easily ‘Desert Belly’ for its winning whiff of riffery and syncopated vocal wobbles. It all exerts a vice-like listening grip.
- Jerome is playing The Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds tonight and is touring
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