berlioz is a name that I've been interested in for a while, but I'll be honest with you - it took me a lot longer to actually make the conscious effort and research the life and work of producer, DJ, and saxophone player Jasper Edwared Attlee.
A few days ago I asked people on our Instagram what they would like to see more of us and album suggestions won by a significant margin. It brought a smile to my face as I strongly believe there has been a social shift in how people consume music in recent months. While the paradigm in recent years has been the single (Nothing wrong with that), there's a comeback to the lost art of exploring a full-length album at its fullest. A great reason for me to go back to doing that more often. I just want to say this - I truly enjoyed my Sunday research, coffee, and listening to berlioz' debut album open this wall.
Our first encounter with the music of the British producer was in 2021 when he was still known as Ted Jasper when Nora covered "Do Something". Beat-driven in nature, the music that the Cape Town-born, London-based musician released back then was the foundation of his sound as berlioz which heavily relies on jazz and house influences.
By the way, if you dig this sound - check out our Groovy Beats playlist. You'll love it.
Stream on Spotify / Apple Music.
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If you were in a rush and I had to catch your attention while crossing paths on the streets, I would certainly fall back on his own description listed on Spotify - "if Matisse made house music". Those 5 words will reveal enough about the art of berlioz to spark an interest. A quick glance at his visual identity is enough to understand the Matisse reference. Heavily reliance on colours throughout each of berlioz' artwork also creates a feeling of familiarity and accessibility. The narrative of his highly acclaimed debut EP jazz is for ordinary people.
On July 12th, Jasper closed another chapter in berlioz's journey with the release of his debut LP open this wall. When I say closed I mean the album is out in the open and now will take a life on its own. I always wonder how artists feel at this part of the process where things are not in their control anymore, but it's all left to the listener. Given his success in the past year or so, I can only imagine Jasper is rather happy and excited about what has been happening with his music. The combination of his visual direction with the way he introduces traditional jazz elements to the new generation has made him quite popular on social media recently.
The record consists of 11 tracks and it represents a beautiful and spacious gateway into the worlds of jazz and house music. At first, I felt that listening to open this wall felt like a solitary experience, at least until I got to navigate through the music. Now, some 10-20 replays of the record later I feel it is the most suitable music to play while having friends over. A uniting and joyous experience.
listen to open this wall on Spotify / Apple Music
Personally, I would not consider open this wall a jazz record, so it was a bit surprising to read alot of Reddit threads on the topic of how some jazzheads dislike the work of berlioz. Build on jazz foundations for sure, the record fuses a lot more than that and the description of jazz house is there for a reason. Add some Afro flavour and you've 35 minutes of pure bliss to enjoy.
The way I see berlioz's music is that is an accessible entry into a genre that could be demanding at times and there's nothing wrong with that. I won't be singling out tracks out of open this wall just because up until now I've just experienced the record in its entirety and it does sound like a fluid wholesome experience. I do love the opening spoken word intro of its title track and the positive and inviting nature of the album
I am, and I'm wonderful, and I know there's this supreme power That gives me the ability to be everything if I just allow it to happen'
The album has been initially recorded in berlioz's bedroom while completely shutting down the outside world. Once ready, with a collection of 11 demos in hand, he sought out the most talented jazz musicians he could find. These musicians brought new life to his songs, replaying and soloing on his tracks. After these sessions, he and his wife Joycelyn traveled to the South of France, where they spent three weeks arranging and mixing the final works.
open this wall certainly goes into my 2024 highlights. I appreciate the feeling I end up with at the end of each 35-minute session led by berlioz. Hope you enjoy it too.
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