It's 2024: Is Jazz Getting Smoother?

In this episode, hosts Adam and Peter embark on a musical journey, exploring the talent of Yussef Dayes. A prominent figure in the industry, Dayes' innovative sound has left a mark on the music scene. Join the hosts as they navigate through the layers of Dayes' artistry, questioning and unraveling the mystery of his genre. Is it smooth jazz, or does Dayes defy categorization altogether? Tune in for a great discussion that dives into the unique and enigmatic musical realm that Yussef Dayes effortlessly commands.

↓ Links from the pod ↓

Yussef Dayes LIVE from Joshua Tree

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[ayooluwakolawole]

Saw the Yussef Dayes experience live, these guys are the future.

I think it's important to consider the context. For me, south london scene is about musicians that grew up listening to electronic music like their peers in 90s/00s while riding bus on their way to formal lessons and honing their jazz skills.

DnB, jungle, break beats, etc. It is somewhat "simpler". It's more about textures, more repetition, simpler harmonies.

And as someone who grew up during the same period - I love it.

[narosgmbh]

I saw Dayes at the North Sea Jazz 2023. And it wasn't in the elevator or in the breakfastroom.
Not a single second that smooth crossed my mind.

[elrondhubbard]

Just wanted to say, Yussef Kamaal "Black Focus" and Yussef Days Trio live album "Welcome To The Hills" literally got me into Jazz. I had NEVER really listened to jazz at all in my life. I come from the world of hardcore, punk, and metal too. I do have to admit, ever since Elijah Fox joined on sax it does sound a lil same-y. I really enjoyed the trio with Charlie Stacey on keys.

Ps. Also, please check out Katalyst from Inglewood, CA. They are incredible too.

[BowadeOnMusic]

Great way to start the day. Jazz advice, Piano, Coffee and funny cigs.

[matta]

Also check out a guy called Alfa Mist. Another South London cat.

The other thing about YD, his band, Alfa Mist, Nubaya Garcia, others of these Londoners: they’re all quite YOUNG! So excited to see where they all go for the next few decades!

[lorenreedsmith]

I went and saw these guys live. It was super fun, however the issue you run into with such simple harmonic structures coupled with relatively laid back soloing is each song ends up sounding pretty similar to the next. The rhythmic dialogue that happens between the players is really the main event, but it can get a bit one dimensional when it's a whole show/album of a pretty narrow idiom.

[theaudiosenseinl]

I am a huge fan of Yussef Dayes. Very talented drummer. I first learn to know him in the duo Yussef Kamaal. One of the artists that i listen to daily. I own all of his releases on vinyl and CD.

[dougsours]

I don't think "smooth jazz" when I hear Dayes, I think "organic."

[michaeldavis]

My sense is that there is a shift to "chill" sonically lately and not just in the London scene. I hear it in the music of Brandee Younger, Immanuel Wilkins and Joel Ross too. There is a quieter, maybe less strongly melodic contemporary aesthetic out there that is.. "now".

[idletimeproductions]

I think you nailed it, this is new to a new generation of jazz listeners.

[Olovlig]

Also one reason that we hear two chord vamps is that it is very popular in hiphop beats. And for some reason 2-chord loops works so well there, and hiphop has had a lot of influence lately with cats like Robert Glasper etc

[itom]

I met Peter and Terreon Gully over 10 years ago when he came to play in Istanbul, Nardis jazz club. Have a great 2024 Peter, Adam and openstudio.

[RhythmicGraffiti]

Wish they observed a video with Charlie Stacey on it, but I'm sure the commentary would change little

[dangfd]

I think one of the most important parts of the style is the lack of an arranged melody. It’s like music is at its core based around a groove of the drummer. The bassist adds harmonic context for the sax and keys. Instead of playing around a melody they improvise melodic ideas around a progression which gives it the simplicity that Peter seems to mock. the music has an appeal because of that simplicity. The rhythm and harmonies are grounded but the melody is just amorphous.

[hoffnstuff]

Couldn't help myself from going back numerous times to hear @ 1:12 - great chords by Peter in the intro/ improv. That little descending progression is worthy of discussion right there. Whatever it is, my ears just love it. These two dudes are truly amazing.

[eastnystyle]

Yussef Dayes music is mostly based on a “vibe thing” as far as harmonics. You guys are focusing to much on the use if simple harmonics in this video, when thats not the main thing in Yussefs music.
Its all about rhytmn. Thats the core of his music. He grew up on DnB and Hip Hop. Yussef Dayes plays with so much passion and dynamics in his use of polyrhytmns. Being a drummer myself he is without a doubt the biggest inspiration to me for the last 6 years.
You should check out his album Welcome To The Hills, recorded live in Denmark. Or the Yussef Kamaaal album Black Focus. On those albums you can clearly hear Yussefs musical-inspirations growing up.

[bobwilkinsonguitar]

The parallel development is trap music, where harmony and even melody are taking a backseat to groove and rhythm. 808s, snare fills, and hi hat rolls are the currency of the genre.

[eskoniiranen]

Am I weird for thinking there's more than a hint of 90's acid jazz in all of this?

[darrelmckaig]

Reminds me of Bobby Hutcherson's "Linger Lane" album. It was recorded January 16, 1975 outside on a deck in Idyllwild, California. You can sense Bobby, Chuck Rainey, Harvey Mason and Ernie Watts all soaking in the view of the Southern California mountains.