Back to Mine with Jona Sul

 

Canned Heat – On The Road Again

Such a cool tune from start to finish. Their style oozes of the era but it also has such a laziness and originality to the vocals that makes them so unique.

 

Bibio – The First Daffodils

I remember when I got the Silver Wilkinson record, I was totally blown away with this opener, it demanded so much attention of me. The production feels so organic and mysterious, which is why it sets up the rest of the album so beautifully. I feel like I’m entering a different landscape or something.

 

Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – We Almost Lost Detroit

I’m a big fan of Gil Scott-Heron, but the real magic happens when he collaborates with Brian Jackson. This is probably one of my favourites of theirs, and one of the best synth solos I can recall.

 

Ross From Friends – Bootman

This guy’s production is so warm, old and new; he’s just nailed it. And it works particularly well with the sample in this tune – gives me such imaginary nostalgia.

 

Maya – Lait De Coco

Rare late night/early morning/afternoon cocktail jam. The cover says it all really. I can’t seem to find anything else by Maya unfortunately… if you find anything send it my way!

 

Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra – Che Che Colé

Fantastic Willie Colón cover – I love both versions but this has a groove that can entertain any occasion.

 

Gene Clark – No Other

I remember turning on the radio right after coming back from a festival and this was playing, just stopped me in my tracks until it had finished. Made a fan of me right then and there.

 

Lambchop – The Hustle

Any Lambchop album is perfect home listening for me. The Hustle is a quiet banger though, where it’s longevity plays to its strength as it grooves all the way home.

 

Kendrick Lamar – Growing Apart (To Get Closer)

Whack the incense on, this is the one! The beat, chords, vocals, everything just works to perfection here.

 

Herbie Hancock – Actual Proof

I hold this bizarre number very dearly – it was one of the first Herbie Hancock tunes I ever heard, and still one of my favourites. The musicianship is unreal and it’s a lesson in not holding back with your ideas.

 

Jona Sul – South Zone (Southern Fried)

Now onto his fourth EP with the label, Jona is a Manchester based artist with real artistry in his productions. His music takes cues from all over and features deft arrangements in his very real songs. 18 months or so have gone by since he first emerged and now he has fans on dancefloors, in the media and on radio, and that is only likely to continue with this latest single.
The stunning new track is ‘South Zone’, a weightless cut that floats in a clear blue sky, with slithering synth patterns and great chord work. Subtle layering lends the whole thing a real sonic lushness as off kilter drums bring the groove below. Cut up vocal sounds add a human element and the music glistens and glows beautifully throughout. Part Caribou, part Four Tet, but wholly Jona Sul, it is a refreshing offering indeed.
Matt Karmil is someone who worked closely with Kornel Kovacs on his debut album and is a revered studio engineer who has put out beats on Idle Hands and Studio Barnhus. His version is a dubby, heavyweight rework with heavenly pads and bell sounds all sounding epic, and is sure to fill any room with emotion. Last but not least, the fantastic Bewilderbeast remix is built on solid kicks, is wired up with melodic drones and bright, warm chords and is sure to get senses tingling when dropped into any set.

Jona Sul – South Zone (Southern Fried Records) Out 5th May 2017