Ezra Collective has unveiled their jazz-infused rendition of the holiday staple ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’. This fresh take is part of a special collection of Spotify Singles focusing on reimagining festive classics.
The lineup’s as diverse as it gets – from Laufey’s interpretation of ‘Winter Wonderland’ to Ashnikko’s unique version of ‘Carol Of The Bells’.
Ezra Collective, the London-based jazz ensemble, are known for their innovative approach to music. Their choice of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ might seem unconventional at first glance, but delve a bit deeper, and you’ll find that jazz and Christmas tunes have a longstanding relationship. Plus, for Femi and TJ Koleoso of the group, these carols echo their childhood experiences growing up in the church.
Their rendition captures the essence of the original melody but also allows the band’s individual talents to shine, creating a peaceful and harmonious fusion that’s both respectful to the original and inventively Ezra Collective.
Femi shared his thoughts on the track: “Christmas music is all about carols. The simplicity of them, but also the beauty in the melodies. I guess also growing up in church, around the Christmas period it’s the carols I would hear. For us, this tune is a really wavy carol, such a beautiful melody. So much to interpret and make your own.”
Ezra Collective, the recent winners of the Mercury Prize 2023 for their album You Can’t Steal My Joy, continue to demonstrate their ability to blend genres and create music that resonates across different audiences. Their take on ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ is more than just a holiday tune; it’s a testament to their versatility and creativity as artists.
Ezra Collective’s fresh take on this Christmas classic is now available for your festive playlists, adding a jazzy beat to the holiday season.
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