Ezra Collective

Biography
Articles

London 5-piece Ezra Collective are proving themselves as a harmonious tour de force. Their sound nods respectfully to a classic jazz footprint, celebrating the originators whilst also carving a path solely their own. They marry the delicate technicalities of jazz with afrobeat & hip hop, tied together by a sound that’s unmistakably London.

Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso: On Tony Allen and UK jazz today

by Rob Garratt
March 13, 2023

Of all the artists to emerge from the overbaked “UK jazz explosion" of recent years, Ezra Collective are arguably the greatest crossover success--based on Spotify stats and tour bookings, anyway. And while the juggernaut of early hype may have worn itself out, things are only looking rosier in 2023: The barrier-busting London quintet is currently gearing up for a breakthrough North American tour, topped by a week at New York's Blue Note Jazz Club. Their first post-pandemic outing comes off ...

Radio & Podcasts

England vs. Italy: A Jazz Re-match, First Half

by Ludovico Granvassu
July 27, 2021

A few days ago, England and Italy faced each other in the finals of the European Soccer Cup. It was a compelling match with a nail-biting end between two teams that exceeded expectations and that promise to have a brilliant future. Italy won in a penalty shootout because in sports--especially in the finals of a tournament--there has to be a winner and a loser. That's why we much prefer arts--and music in particular--where usually everyone wins (or everyone loses... if ...

Album Review

Ezra Collective: You Can't Steal My Joy

Read "You Can't Steal My Joy" reviewed by Kevin Press

by Kevin Press
April 30, 2019

This sparkling debut from London's Ezra Collective pulls together jazz, hip hop, Latin and reggae influences in a surprisingly cohesive package. A pair of guest vocal performances--powerfully delivered by singer Jorja Smith and rapper Loyle Carner--virtually guarantee this disc serious lounge airplay this summer. Right out of the gate, Dylan Jones' trumpet delivers a hook so sharp you'll be humming it despite yourself. “Space Is The Place (Reprise)" runs for just over two-and-a-half minutes. It is an all-business ...