Local DJ and producer JP Villa and Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Kebbi Williams are currently working on a collaborative EP, which is scheduled to be released sometime this summer via the Atlanta-based music collective BluntGutsNation. As Atlanta’s resident jazz ambassador and brainchild behind the WolfPack, Williams and his associates have been furiously pushing the advancement of the city’s avant-garde jazz scene for some time. Here he takes the opportunity to engage with Villa’s dynamic hip-hop and electronic-oriented production, and the initial results are more than solid.
“Blue Vixen,” the first single to be revealed from the new project, is a short, cosmic affair that is palatable for those who are new or look unfavorably on experimental jazz. The synthesized key structures and breakbeat elements morph in and out of synch with the song’s playful melody. Williams’ parts are subtle, smooth and powerful, proving once again that he is a grandmaster at hitting every note with purpose and intent.
I get a bit of a Brainfeeder/recent Kendrick Lamar vibe from this tune. There’s a heady mix of jazz with rap and R&B post-production techniques. Ironic as it is odd, it seems like the jazz artists are starting to borrow from hip-hop producers and mixologists, and Mr. Williams appears unafraid to lead the charge. Check out the single below.
More Info
Web: jpvilla.com
Facebook: @VillaMusick
SoundCloud: @jpvilla
Twitter: @VillaBeats
Instagram: @kebbiwilliams
Twitter: @kebbiwilliams