Tom Misch, Chronixx and Shabaka Hutchings feature on Yussef Dayes' debut solo album

Dayes shares the first taster of the record with the title track “Black Classical Music” which features Venna & Charlie Stacey, and is accompanied by a video directed by longtime collaborator Barka, who also designed the album artwork.

Black Classical Music is Dayes' first release since 2020’s What Kinda Music – the collaboration with Tom Misch – and Welcome to the Hills which features Rocco Pallidino and Charlie Stacey.

Of the album, Dayes says: "What is jazz? Where did the word derive from? Birthed in New Orleans, born in the belly of the Mississippi River, rooted in the gumbo pot of the Caribbean, South American culture & African rituals. Continuing a lineage of Miles Davis, Rahssan Roland kirk, Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong ~ music that is forever evolving & limitless in its potential. The groove, it’s feeling, the compositions, the spontaneity, with a love for family, the discipline & dedication in maintaining the very high bar set by the pantheon of Black Classical Musicians. Chasing the rhythm of drums that imitated one's heartbeat, the melodies for the mind and spirit, the bass for the core. A Regal sound for this body of music."

Dayes distinctive drum licks and Rocco Palladino’s bass are the sturdy anchors of the album; aided by Charlie Stacey (keys/synths), Venna (saxophone), Alexander Bourt (percussion), and a whole host of honourable features including: Chronixx, Masego, Jamilah Barry, Tom Misch, Elijah Fox, Shabaka Hutchings, Miles James, Sheila Maurice Grey, Nathaniel Cross, Theon Cross and the Chineke! Orchestra – the first professional orchestra in Europe to be made up of majority Black and ethnically diverse musicians.

Recently, Dayes released Live At Joshua Tree – an EP presented by Soulection. His other solo releases including the live album Welcome To The Hills and Love Is The Message, which was recorded live at Abbey Road Studios.

Tracklist:

1. Black Classical Music ft. Venna & Charlie Stacey
2. Afro Cubanism
3. Raisins Under The Sun ft. Shabaka Hutchings
4. Rust ft. Tom Misch
5. Turquoise Galaxy
6. The Light ft. Bahia Dayes
7. Pon Di Plaza ft. Chronixx
8. Magnolia Symphony
9. Early Dayes
10. Chasing The Drum
11. Birds of Paradise
12. Gelato
13. Marching Band ft. Masego
14. Crystal Palace Park ft. Elijah Fox
15. Presidential ft. Jahaan Sweet
16. Jukebox
17. Woman’s Touch ft. Jamilah Barry
18. Tioga Pass ft. Rocco Palladino
19. Cowrie Charms ft. Leon Thomas & Barbara Hicks