'Tonight' by Namas

'Tonight' marks the new album release from French jazz trio Namas whose sophomore album release finds its home on Dooinit Music.

Spearheaded by names including J-Zen, Nicky Lars, Blake and Quiet Dawn, the French independent label has waved the flag for predominately music of hip-hop origin.  While also embodying those principle Dooinit ideals, Namas is also able to present a completely new dimension for the label's releases to date.

Having initially introduced themselves via the 2022 debut 'Tapestry', Namas' affections for complex soundscapes with more than a small dash of acknowledgement for Jay Dee's pioneering productions were very much laid bare across the project's eight tracks.

Although 'Tapestry' was an undeniably brilliant release, 'Tonight' seems to plunge the music even further into more intricate compositions allowing for an ever so slight electronic aesthetic to form part of the album's narrative.

Comprised of pianist Gaël Bourgeault, Léo Debroise on upright bass and Victor Dubois on drums, 'Tonight' features eight wonderful tracks that find the trio exploring the concept of "post jazz" while openly declaring the fascinating concoction of hip-hop production, London's all-encompassing electronica-tinged scene and urban art as the project's chief influences.

It does raise interesting discussion points regarding whether we are in fact living in an era of highly evolved jazz whereby bands and artists like Namas, Chiminyo, Richard Spaven and Natural Lateral are genuinely even making jazz at this point or whether this influx of influences is seeing the dawning on a new musical genre born of the aforementioned influences and styles.

Whether it's a question that will ultimately need to be answered or whether it's one that is wholly irrelevant, it could still be argued that each answer places these eclectic perspectives on either side of the same coin.  While neo-soul ushered in a new era of soul music for the hip-hop generation, perhaps artists like Namas are exemplary of the impact hip-hop and club culture has had on jazz music for this century.

It's a riveting discussion and one that translates beautifully throughout 'Tonight' with the core of the album revolving around the trio's instrumental pieces that weave their own compelling narratives across inspired perspectives and imaginative performances.  Neo-soul vocalist Keysuna - who can boast a fantastic project with 'BOUNDS' from 2025 - delivers a scene-stealing turn soaring on the single release 'Don't Rush'.

Whether Namas make music that is progressive jazz, post jazz or something entirely different makes no difference in the end - theirs is a distinctive style that finds a way to joyously flourish within the ambiguity of it all.