Ezra Collective announce new album, ‘Here Because of Hope’
Mercury Prize-winners Ezra Collective have confirmed details of their new album, Here Because of Hope.
The London jazz quintet are set to release their fourth album on September 18th through Partisan Records, which they have teased with the new single ‘Only Love’ featuring Pa Salieu.
Salieu isn’t the only special guest that Ezra Collective have invited along for the ride on Here Because of Hope, which also features Jamaican singer Lila Iké, British singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, and Cameroonian singer Libianca.
They’ve also tapped up Hollywood star Letitia Wright for the new album, too. The Black Panther actor delivers a spoken word section to introduce each different chapter of Here Because of Hope.
Ezra Collective’s bandleader Femi Koleuso explained of the overarching theme that encapsulates the new release, sharing in a statement, “We started thinking and obsessing about how many Black genres where the story is painful, but the result is this dance floor feeling.”
The 6 Music host continued, “And we came up with hope. It’s the hope that one day this pain will change and take me to that place. So we’re going to write in anticipation of that place.”
Across the record, Ezra Collective honour West Africa, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom, which have all played a crucial role in the evolution of Black music.
Before the album arrives in September, Ezra Collective have a busy summer ahead. In the UK, they will perform at Love Supreme, Lost Village and Henley Festival, as well as playing Way Out West in Göteborg, Jazz Des Cinq Continents in Marseille, and Cruilla Festival in Barcelona.
They are also scheduled to appear at LA Jazz Festival in August, before playing shows in Australia, Korea and Japan in October.
Ezra Collective – Here Because of Hope tracklist:
- ‘Part I (Read by Letitia Wright)’
- ‘Blow Your Trumpet’
- ‘Sweet Echo’
- ‘Don’t Worry’
- ‘Only Love (feat. Pa Salieu)’
- ‘Someday’
- ‘Part 2 (Read by Letitia Wright)’
- ‘Birdie Sings’
- ‘The Last Stand’
- ‘Well Organised (feat. Lila Ike)’
- ‘El Corazon’
- ‘Bunny On The Rise’
- ‘Part 3 (Read by Letitia Wright)’
- ‘All I Need (feat. Leona Lewis)’
- ‘Jubilee Feeling’
- ‘Black Flag’
- ‘Most High (feat. Libianca)’
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.