Ezra Collective – Here Because of Hope

Review by

Tom Parmiter

Tom is a UK-based music writer who first contributed to No Ripcord in 2018.

The fourth studio album from all-conquering British jazz quintet Ezra Collective ventures into conceptual territory. Here Because Of Hope, in the band’s own words, is conceived “as a body of work split into three spiritual and geographical movements” and traces “the movement of Black people across continents and decades, from the music of Africa to the rhythms of the Caribbean, and home to the streets of London.”

This collection is underpinned by three spoken-word excerpts from Guyanese-British actor Letitia Wright, whose prevailing message is that hope across this expansive, turbulent time frame and across continents is found in the music of these communities. Few bands sound more hopeful than Ezra Collective, as the entire album pops and fizzes with energy—from the catchy piano lick that opens “Blow Your Trumpet” to the final bars of the closer “Most High.” “Sweet Echo” is full of groove and vigour, as TJ Koleoso's smooth basslines propel the band forward. For every track with an infectious dancing quality, there are brass lead melody-laden earworms like “Don't Worry” and “Someday,” making good use of the trumpet of Ife Ogunjobi.

As for the spoken word material, there are several guest vocal spots throughout, featuring Pa Salieu, Lila Ike, Leona Lewis, and Libianca. Particularly effective is Lewis’ guest spot on “All I Need,” a sultry, expressive ode to finding joy without earthly possessions. Whereas Libianca’s closing effort, “Most High,” features hypnotic twinned vocal lines guiding the listener to a very satisfying coda.

Mid-album, the band particularly cuts loose and has fun with their historical framework. “Birdie Sings” has a big fat reggae groove and bassline dancing around a reverb-tinged snare pattern and brass section. Three tracks deeper, “El Corazon” dives into bossa nova rhythms, a fabulously tight sound capped off with a dazzling piano solo by Joe Armon-Jones. Underpinning these grooves are the rock-solid rhythms of Femi Koleoso, none more so than on “Black Flag,” adriving jam with the FX/reverb heavy sax playing of James Mollison droning in and out around the arrangement.

The measure of any great concept-driven record is its feel from start to finish, and Here Because Of Hope absolutely delivers here—a rewarding, balanced, and thoughtful work, framed expertly by spoken word and guest vocal spots. And crucially, brimming with hope.

Here Because of Hope is out now via Partisan Records.