Having only launched a label from it’s record shop in Peckham last year, YAM Recordings have already delivered a very promising set of releases. The first a cool creation from Chaos in the CBD, which gained support from the likes Larry Heard and Derrick May; followed by a five-track compilation featured here. For the third, South London producer and bassist Maxwell Owin teams up with housemate Joe Armon-Jones, who having toured with the likes of Pharoahe Monche, Ata Kak and Ezra Collective; is one of the most in-demand keyboardists of his age. Calling on more young experts in jazz for their refined improvisation, the release features Jake Long on drums, Nubya Garcia on tenor saxophone and, on this title track, guitar from Oscar Jerome.
‘Idiom’ is a slow burning and beautifully put together four minutes. Acoustic and electronic elements are carefully balanced with extra weight added in layers to Jake’s drumming, creating a swung bounce, which carry luscious broken chords, reminding us of earlier Floating Points’ work. Joe’s exceptional playing is complimented by Max’s production chops, which subtly warp the jazz-fuelled harmonies through spacey reverbs and spiralling delays. As the latter half of the track develops into a rolling half-time beat, we’re reminded of the diverse influences that have been brought together for this project, with dub and hip-hop playing just as much of a part in its development, as its clear grounding in jazz. Idiom EP is a promising beginning to Joe and Max’s collaborative work, a true testament to the breadth of talent that is constantly emerging from South London.
Idiom is out 8th September – buy from Bandcamp. Joe and Maxwell launch the EP at Total Refreshment Center on the 13th September. YAM celebrate the 3rd birthday of their record shop at The Colombian on the 25th of August.
