josef akin: flightcase
Francisco Espregueira
Josef Akin is a musician, producer and composer based in Glasgow. Primarily a pianist and keyboardist, Akin incorporates a variety of genres within his music, moving between jazz, afrobeat, latin music & hip hop. His latest album - Flightcase dropped via Sola Terra last friday - was recorded in a rare moment of freedom between lockdowns, representing the joy of collaboration and the importance of human connection. Following his debut EP, Empty Spaces, Flightcase showcases Akin’s evolution as a musician, exploring diverse ways of creation, as well as continuing to collaborate with a variety of musicians & influence.
This album is composed by eight mesmerizing compositions and, beyond that, many voices. Influences range from Herbie Hancock to Sun Ra, but also from other projects Akin is involved in, such as Amara & GABO. Whilst aiming to create something new and unique, the bandleader acknowledges that diversity that inspires and influences him. Creating framework and allowing the other musicians to express themselves within it, Josef Akin delivers a smooth modern-jazz album that deserves a dedicated approach. Flightcase is available in vinyl, courtesy of Sola Terra.
Josef Akin - keys, vocals, balafon
Daniel Ashton - flute, guitar
Finn Rosenbaum - drums, percussion
Norman Villeroux - bass
India Blue - vocals, trumpet (3,8)
Harry Weir - saxophone
Suleman "Chief" Chebe - balafon, percussion
Joshua Elcock - trumpet (6)