Jazz Thing, our new feature bringing to the fore modern jazz artists you need to check out.
The unsung heroes pushing forth this music called jazz in search of new land. As Guru from Gang Starr once said, ‘This music ain’t dead, so don’t be misled, by those who said that jazz was on it’s deathbed’.
Now here’s our story…
Kaidi Tatham, a multi-instrumentalist, writer, arranger & producer.
Hailed by Giles Peterson as the UK’s most gifted contemporary keys player, Kaidi has had a long influential career starting as a key figure in West London’s broken beat and nu-jazz scene as part of Bugz in the Attic, The Herbaliser Band and his notable collaborations with 2000Black and 4hero’s Dennis ‘Dego’ McFarlane.
Since then he has gone on to perform, produce, write and remix a who’s who list of contemporary jazz, soul and hip hop artists which includes Amp Fiddler, Amy Winehouse, Mr Scruff, Blu and Slum Village to name a few. Also an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and producer, he has released solo electronic albums under his ‘Agent K’ alias and also modern jazz fusion albums such as:
1. In Search Of Hope
Released in 2008 through Freedom School, his solo debut is an exemplary future jazz album fusing traditional jazz instruments with electronic beats and keys. Produced with an emphasis on sounding 100-percent organic, the tracks are tightly arranged ranging from mellow soul-jazz to high octane funky bpm-crushers. It’s no wonder physical copies of this album are now hard to come by!
Recommended Tracks:
Swift Inpiration (Quick Kid), I’m High, So Amazed
2. Kaidi’s 5ive
Released in 2011 through Jazz re:freshed, it’s the second in their series of five track mini-album releases showcasing the quality, influence and diversity of jazz, whilst celebrating the music’s unsung heroes and emerging unsigned talent. Offering musicians an opportunity to stretch themselves and their music, in essence giving an outlet to artists that the label believes need to be heard.
For this release Kaidi carries forward his future jazz agenda, while flexing his musical talents by being the sole musician on the album. He plays the keys, percussion, drums, synth bass, flute, programming and even provides vocals.
Recommended Tracks:
Don’t Hide Your Love, To My Surprise, Organic Juggernaut
3. Dego & Kaidi – A So We Gwarn
Last on this list and released this year through Sound Signature, A So We Gwarn sees Kaidi reuniting with his key collaborator Dego of 4hero. Leaning closer towards the afrobeat side of jazz with more electronic elements, the tracks flow fluidly and free with just the right intensity. The album is now available through digital and physical formats online here.
Recommended Tracks:
The Sorrell Sweet, Don’t Put Your Hat Where Your Hand Can’t Reach, Saturday Soup
Follow Kaidi Tatham on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
And that’s it for this week’s edition of Jazz Thing, stay tuned for the next!
Image Credits: Dimensions Festival, Jazz Re:freshed
