'OTHELLO' by Orson Claeys

Through various album reviews we've carried out over the years, we've often mused about the fact that today's contemporary jazz climate affords artists a significantly deeper well of inspirations to draw from.

From the works of hip-hop luminaries like Jay Dee and Madlib, to the more immersive sonic soundscapes as constructed by DāM FunK and Flying Lotus or even the more broken beat aesthetic of Kaidi Tatham.  All of it is fair game and in the hands of progressive and forward-thinking artists, it's music that can be as invaluable a resource as the pioneering works of John Coltrane or Pharoah Sanders.

For the Belgian label, Sdban Records, such broad-minded and free-spirited interpretations of contemporary jazz have become something of a mainstay for their diverse roster.  And while names like Kau, Bandler Ching, Black Flower and Glass Museum have successfully waved the flag through some glorious releases, Sdban now bestow the mantle in the hands of Orson Claeys whose debut full-length finally arrives in the form of 'OTHELLO'.

Having previously introduced himself through his 2024 five-track EP, 'Odyssey to Self', the pianist and composer was already able to lay the foundation of the vast scope that 'OTHELLO' would strive to represent.

As a devoted fan of hip-hop and club-centric aural palettes, Claeys crafts an exquisite piece of work that acknowledges the vast array of influences that have gone on to comprise his own musical make-up.  Named after Claeys' middle name, Othello, the new album serves as an exploration around the concept of identity - exploring notions of his own musical identity through a varied and brilliantly multi-faceted project that sees the pianist freely dabble within an array of ideas and inspirations.  From the deliciously off-kilter 'Shadowboxing' to the stripped-down Middle Eastern inspired album closer 'Outro/Hanin' featuring oud player Akram Ben Romdhane.

Much like pianist Robert Glasper expressed his affection for the works of Jay Dee through a series of 'Dillaludes' over the years, Claeys appears to express his own hero appreciation through the fitting homage, 'Glasperlude'.  A track reminiscent of early Robert Glasper Experiment recordings, celebrating the works of our own chief inspirations adds to the album's concept of exploration and wearing your influences on your sleeve.  A final note has to go to the thrilling inclusion of Belgian-Brazilian singer-songwriter, Helena Casella who soars over the jazzy neo-soul aesthetic of 'Spiral' thus delivering one of the album's brightest moments.

There's something rather beautiful about the idea that our own musical identities are ultimately shaped by the countless artists and experiences that have resonated with us along the way.  'OTHELLO' feels like Orson Claeys embracing that very philosophy, bringing together the sounds, styles and creative influences that have helped define his own relationship with music.  It's a wonderfully open-minded approach that speaks to the possibilities available to a new generation of musicians, and Claeys delivers it with an admirable sense of purpose.