benjamin long: new darker jazz
Francisco Espregueira
Conveying high doses of musicality and high-karat-gold choices for his sound, Benjamin Long returns to production duties to release a beautiful 4-track EP via Fri by Frikardo (never compromising on the quality of their roster). New Darker Jazz presents a stark contrast to the jazzier strains of deep house that have been emerging in the deep house music scene over the past few years. Benjamin has meticulously infused his roots from jazz fusion into his productions, crafting his own unique spin on deep house.
The EP's title track introduces a jazzy broken beat groove, lush chords, and an entrancing ambiance, establishing an atmosphere for a spiritual musical exploration. "Drunken Lift Operator" transports us to nostalgic realms, featuring a graceful piano melody accompanied by a seductive saxophone, crafting an enchanting mood. "African Summer" delights enthusiasts of diverse jazz and house influences, seamlessly fusing Afro jazz with house elements, resulting in a harmonious and soul-soothing fusion. The journey concludes beautifully with "At Dawn," standing out stylistically yet remaining aligned with the core concept of the EP. Available on Bandcamp, New Darker Jazz by Benjamin Long is one of the best deep house EP’s of the season. Courtesy of Fri by Frikardo.