Assembling a band as fittingly named as this for his debut album, it’s as if Tenderlonious has come to the zenith of a five-year grand plan, starting from the first 22a split 12″ in 2013.
The 22archestra unavoidably conjures images of Sun Ra’s mythical ensemble but this is no tribute. Very much of its time, they bringing alive the vibrancy of London jazz and broken beat. The band consists of Hamish Balfour on keys, Fergus Ireland on bass, Yussef Dayes on drums and the trio of Jeen Bassa, Reginald Omas Mamode IV and Konrad on percussion, supporting Tenderlonious on flute and synthesisers.
The Shakedown an impressive feat of technical and compositional musicianship from the bandleader, ranging in styles from the spiritual jazz and broken rhythms of album opener ‘Expansions’, through to latin disco and funk-driven hip-hop. With a younger generation of musicians rallying round the foundations he’s been preparing for years, hopefully this will be the album that rightfully recognises Tenderlonious as one of the linchpin of London jazz.
The Shakedown is out 15th June – buy from Bandcamp.
