Ezra Collective have gone from strength to strength since winning the Mercury Prize in 2022. From albums that charted low to this. What is great is how they make jazz accessible to every type of listener. Like Jamie Cullum, they are unconventional. More on that later, but this is their best album to date. The music is uplifting and warm, and the instruments are expertly played, blending several influences without pretence.
The album has three sections, taking you on a musical journey from Africa to the Caribbean, and back to the band’s hometown of London. As you know, I detest interludes, but these ones have merit to them. They are spoken-word passages called ‘Part 1’, ‘Part 2′, and obviously ‘Part 3’, with Letitia Wright delivering them, as well as compelling poems they act as a bridge to each section.
The music starts properly on ‘Blow Your Trumpet’, and there are no Nik-Naks to guess which instrument features prominently. ‘Sweet Echo’ adds further energy, while ‘Don’t Worry’ brings the tempo down while maintaining the record’s warm nature. ‘ Someday’ shows what happens when the band let the song grow naturally.
I was very impressed with the collaborations: ‘Only Love’ has Pa Salieu’s voice blend seamlessly. ‘Well Organised’ is aptly named because Lila Iké fits well, matching the album’s Caribbean-inspired middle section.
Then, Leon Lewis is absolutely fantastic on ‘All I Need’. It may seem an odd pairing, but it worked brilliantly. Leona’s vocals fit superbly with the relaxed arrangement. It also shows the band’s versatility without sacrificing their identity. The final track, and also the final collaboration, features Libianca on ‘Most High’. She isn’t added just because she’s another guest; the track has meaning.
Beyond the collaborations, the band play their usual instrumentals on ‘Birdie Sings’, and ‘The Last Stand’ is inspired by reggae and dub. Then there’s the Latin flavour on ‘El Corazon’, something they haven’t done before. As we approach the end of the album, we get a London blend of ‘Jubilee Feeling’ and ‘Black Flag’.
I loved how well the album flowed. You had 17 tracks, three spoken-word interludes, and several collaborations, yet the record stays streamlined, which makes for a pleasurable listen from the off.
“Here Because of Hope” features musicians with mind-blowing skills, excellent collaborations, and, most importantly, joy. I did not skip any track. I fucking loved it. It has to be another contender for the Mercury Prize next year.
Song recommendations: ‘All I Need’, ‘Part 1’, ‘The Last Stand’
9/10
