In a resumption of his close relationship with French label Noire & Blanche, Phoenix-based DJ and deep house producer Kareem Ali returns with a new EP that explores further his hybrid approach to jazz-influenced club music. Known for his signature blend of deep house, jazz, and Afrofuturist motifs, Ali has earned recognition from Boiler Room and Pitchfork for his ability to merge fluid musicianship with dancefloor functionality.
Across the EP, Ali dips into a box of tricks filled with organic sounding percussion sequencing, brass samples, and warm harmonic loops, and the resultant record emerges balancing both groove-driven momentum and looser, jazz-informed phrasing. Each cut, from the more driving sound of “Feel Everything All At Once” to the jazz-centric “Procession”, feels as if the Count Basie Band got dropped into New York 90s nightlife and just decided to go with the flow.
“Procession”, as highlighted, emphasises the fluid, experimental jazz rhythms that help define Kareem Ali’s sound. Feather-light drum programming sets the flexible ground for saxophone lines and piano loops to toe-tap and hip-twist their way into shape, and as the arrangement develops, each element contributes to a downtempo, jazz-house framework that is cohesive without being rigid. Drifting vocals softly weave through this elegantly twisting traffic, and pads lush enough to conjure up images of string orchestras help elevate the mind to this ballroom on a beach Ali builds for his listeners.
‘Renewal EP’ is scheduled for release on 13th February via Noire & Blanche. Order a copy from Bandcamp.
TRACKLIST
1. Feel Everything All At Once
2. On My Heart
3. Procession
4. Wake Up My People
5. Want