NRG 4 (feat. Marysia Osu, James Akers, Daniel Casimir, Lyle Barton & Tilé Gichigi-Liperé)

Chiminyo is a UK-based jazz/electronic artist and the founder of the new label NRG Discs (having previously released on Brownswood, Nightdreamer, Gearbox, and Astigmatic, with artists such as Gary Bartz, Shabaka Hutchings, Maisha, Nubya Garcia, Cykada, Uniri, as well as solo). Chiminyo is a versatile musician who blends the raw energy of live drums and percussion with cutting-edge electronic production.

His early solo releases showcased his knack for unique approaches to making music, using self-coded software to trigger synths and samples from every cymbal crash and drum hit, eliminating loops and click-tracks. This DIY, tech-driven methodology allowed Chiminyo complete, spontaneous control over his music—all from the stool behind his drum kit—creating a sound that is both daring and innovative.

Chiminyo's latest project, NRG, continues this trend of innovative thinking. Born from discussions around the UK jazz scene, Chiminyo concluded that this musical expression is less about "jazz" and more about the energy (NRG) that fuels it. As a result, NRG has evolved into a semi-regular event where Chiminyo brings together some of London's finest musicians for live, improvised performances that encapsulate the spirit of the scene. These live recordings are then given the magic production treatment by Chiminyo and co-producer Aviv Cohen, transforming them into the masterpieces we get to hear on wax.

NRG 4 is a powerful, cinematic journey. Jazzwise Magazine reviewed the concert as having 'a jazz-infused electronic sound that was urban, modern, and raw', and the album allows these elements to shine whilst giving more space to the soundscaped intricacy of the electronic musicians involved. Beautiful, reflective pieces such as 'Sonder' and 'Serenity' are balanced by explosive, high-octane anthems such as 'Into The Storm' and the jungle beat driven 'Levitate'. A pleasing twist of neo-soul class is added when Jorja Smith's backing vocalist, BAELY, spontaneously joins the band on the soaring melodic slow jam, 'Nightfall'.

This album brings together some of the best jazz and electronic musicians in London. The album features Marisia Osu (harp), James Akers (tenor saxophone), Daniel Casimir (double bass), Lyle Barton (synthesizers), and Tilé Gichigi-Liperé (live electronics)—an all-star lineup whose members have released multiple records on Concord, Brownswood, Jazz Re:freshed, Astigmatic and more, and have collaborated with artists such as Laura Misch, Nubya Garcia, Blue Lab Beats and Emma-Jean Thackray. Three tracks are graced with features from BAELY and Cuban saxophone maestro Regis Molina.

It is incredible to think this record is improvised, because each tune comes across as a carefully sculpted master-piece, a clear testament to the incredible musicians on the line-up.