Ezra Collective’s debut album is a testament to all things London; not only the multicultural heritage that is so evidently ingrained within the music, but in the energy that is consistent throughout this project. You Can’t Steal My Joy has been a long time coming—the South London-hailing band have spearheaded the burgeoning, youthful jazz movement for far too long without an album. A melange of EPs and singles amidst growing live performances were enough to satiate fans for the past few years, but now our prayers have been answered—and they did not disappoint. Introduced by “Space Is The Place”, the band, with trumpeter Dylan Jones on lead, pay homage to jazz legend Sun Ra with this eyes-closed, sway-inducing piece dipped in neo-soul.
On “Why You Mad?”—a number that commands movement and dancing—bassist TJ Koleoso’s urgent strums are interjected by a tumultuous flurry of energy from James Mollison on sax and Femi Koleoso on drums—a sound easily recognisable as that of Ezra Collective. The pace is then slowed all the way down with the dub-induced “Red Whine”, where they demonstrate not only their synergy, but also their versatility with a nod to the vibrant Caribbean culture in London. James Mollison’s solo wades through the song effortlessly, sending us into a trance, all before its successor “Quest For Coin” further propels the journey through the streets of London (the grime influence reigns heavy in the bassline and percussion).
With only two lyrical cuts on the album, we’re afforded an interlude from the restless rhythms: featuring British stars Jorja Smith and Loyle Carner, on “Reason In Disguise” and “What Am I To Do?” respectively, the Collective are given a break of sorts from the spotlight. The Lost & Found vocalist’s velvet tones complement Femi’s ever-expanding, creative rhythms; a coupling that has seen worldwide success on Smith’s recent tours. Carner’s unique, liquid-like flow weaves itself into the equally laid-back Ezra track, a fitting aesthetic before we are once again urged to dance! Both preemptively released as singles, anticipation for this project has been consistently growing since last year.
Eager to add to the melting pot of influences, “Chris and Jane” (and later “São Paulo”) fuse the London sound with some Latin-tinged flavour. Dylan Jones’ playful melody on the latter, Bossa Nova-inspired track dances with us, and is impossible not to move to. Ezra Collective pride themselves on vibrant, energetic and dance-heavy live shows—no matter the nationality or age of the crowd; even the more relaxed “People Saved” is not exempt from this culture. “Philosopher II” comes as a sequel to the first installment on the Juan Pablo EP, however this time the standalone Joe Armon-Jones on keys is finally given free reign, truly coming into his element. The talented pianist, who has had solo success with his critically-acclaimed 2018 album Starting Today, glides over the ivory to provide an introspective piece to remember.
Whilst the experimental “King Of The Jungle” reinvigorates the album’s intensity, “You Can’t Steal My Joy” takes it even further with a mad scientist approach, each member trying eagerly to get their last licks in before the grand finale. Arguably one of the best on the album, “Shakara”, a collab with afrobeat-inspired band KOKOROKO, brings this London-centric long-play full circle. Ezra Collective complete their world tour from the confines of South London, and in spite of the negativity that plagues everyday life, You Can’t Steal My Joy aims to be a guiding light.
