Know what goes well together? Rum and jazz. And we have some good news on that front. You see, our friends at Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum are bringing these two fine bedfellows together in some pretty sweet harmony through their Jamaican Jazz Series - a limited-edition ‘rum and jazz’ subscription service, which celebrates how the vibrant modern-British jazz scene has been influenced by the music and culture of Jamaica.
For each month of the subscription, one of the finest emerging jazz artists of today has given their take on this theme by selecting a record of their own and one from Jamaica that has inspired them. Inside this collectible series, produced in partnership with Flying Vinyl, subscribers will receive an exclusive signed record from each artist. But there’s more, too.
In addition to the tunes, subscribers will receive a 20cl bottle of Appleton Estate premium rum, a Jamaican-inspired pre-batched cocktail perfectly matched to the music - and a copper cup to enjoy it in. We’re already picturing ourselves kicking back with something delicious, as we embark on a journey of musical discovery from high-quality jazz pioneers from across the generations. It’s a good picture.
So who’s taking part? Well, it’s basically a roll call of who’s who on the contemporary British jazz circuit. The exclusive series was curated by the brilliant Catford-born Moses Boyd, a hugely influential artist and one of the true figureheads of the scene. Boyd will be kicking off the series with his handpicked double-sided vinyl, followed by ‘cktrl’, Theon Cross and Demae – each of whom has been personally selected by Boyd as representatives of all that’s good about modern-British jazz right now. Find out more about them, and Boyd, below.
Appleton Estate’s limited-edition Jamaican Jazz Series is available to purchase through The Bottle Club from August 16 2021. Each box is priced at £30 per month from September - December. Head to www.jamaicanjazzseries.com for more information and to sign up.
The curator of all these incredible aural goodies, Boyd has a stellar reputation as one of the finest jazz musicians in the business. Not bad for 27 years of age. And really not bad when you consider that reputation comes from combining drumming, bandleading, producing and owning his own label, Exodus. With a Dominican father and a Jamaican mother, Moses is well-placed to bring those Caribbean vibes to this series, as well as his own influences, from Miles Davis to Dizzee Rascal.
Born and raised in Lewisham, Bradley Miller grew up in a Jamaican music-loving family so he’s another artist who is the perfect partner for this series. He’s been the talk of respected voices in UK music for years now, ever since he self-released his first EP ‘Misc/Azula’, and his latest LP ‘Robyn’ is cementing his reputation, bringing some of the hottest young players from the UK jazz scene together – including pianist Duval Timothy, guitarist Shirley Tetteh, and bassist Coby Sey.
Another hugely respected jazz musician, this award-winning tuba player and composer also has a Caribbean background, thanks to his Jamaican mother and his father who hails from St Lucia. Alongside many of his contemporaries on the modern-British jazz scene, Cross is bringing his passion for grime, dancehall, afrobeat and dub into the music he makes, and it’s resulting in jazz that’s pushing the boundaries of what the genre can do. It’s impressive stuff.
You might remember Demae as one-third of experimental hip-hop collective, Hawk House. You might know her for bagging endorsements from the likes of Jill Scott and Ghostpoet. Or you might know her for the incredible solo work she’s now focusing on (her debut, ‘Life Works Out… Usually’ is beautiful). And if you’re yet to know her? Well, you’re in for a treat. Demae’s handpicked double-sided record mixes the seductive bite of soul and the natural fluidity of jazz. It’s quite the experience.
Appleton Estate’s Jamaican Jazz Series is available for purchase from August 16 2021. To sign up, as well as find more info, click the ‘read more’ button
