Lately, I have been hearing of another jazz genre called Spiritual jazz. The term many think has something to do with the spiritual, I guess that’s true to a certain degree. The sound can bring you to a spiritual transcendence with its mix of avant-garde and modal jazz. The duo Jahari Massamba Unit is spreading spiritual jazz vibes.

The duo comprises multi-instrumentalist Madlib (Otis Jackson Jr) and drummer/producer Karriem Riggins. They met at a club jam years ago and have been collaborating since. Madlib has played with the best in jazz and R&B artists including Erykah Badu, Roy Brown, Black Star, and more. Their debut as Jahari Massamba Unit happened in 2007 with the release of Yesterday’s Universe: Prepare for a New Yesterday Vol 1. They recorded the album High Jazz then silence for a decade. Then in 2020, they recorded the critically acclaimed album Pardon My French. Its vibe is like a smooth Merlot or good Carbinet Sauvignon. They just released their new album YHWH Is Love and I can’t stop playing it. Listen to tracks “Stomping Gamay” and the sexy “All Things.” I can’t wait for their tour and some dates here in NYC. Support independent music and musicians. Happy listening!