Listen: Vertaal's playlist of inspirations and influences
Innovative jazz duo Vertaal compile some top tunes for us in their Spotify playlist - listen now...
Featuring Bmus (Hons) Popular Music Performance student Ajit Gill and Theo Howarth, Vertaal are a progressive, jazz-funk duo, dealing in abstract and out there sounds.
Ahead of their Jazz Re:Freshed gig tonight (26th April), we asked Ajit to compile this selection of inspirations as a Spotify playlist. Read our recent interview and dig into their choices below.
Kamaal Williams – ‘Salaam’
The latest track from Kamaal Williams. ‘Black Focus’ opened my eyes to approaching music and performance in a different way to ones I have been used to. It’s great to hear the evolution of sound from Kamaal since the last record on this track.
Mahavishnu Orchestra – ‘You Know, You Know’
One of my all time favourite tracks, ever! The energy captured on this record inspires me for future Vertaal records. I feel like I’m in the room when listening to this record.
The Cinematic Orchestra – ‘Flite’
Luke Flowers on drums, killer feel and groove.
BadBadNotGood - ‘In Your Eyes’
Charlotte Day Wilson's connection with the rest of the band makes this tune really stand out.
Herbie Hancock - ‘Chameleon’
Herbie Hancock… no explanation needed! Definitely a big inspiration for me, writing and pushing boundaries. This track is one of my favourites.
Portico Quartet - ‘A Luminous Beam’
Reminds me of deep London underground drum and bass from the nineties. Intense and moody vibes.
Robert Glasper Experiment - ‘Afro Blue’ feat. Erykah Badu
Love the old school hip hop vibes crossed with neo soul/RnB vocal.
Theo Crocker - ‘The Right Time’
I have a serious love for this record. The track reminds me of a jumped up electronic Miles Davis.
Theo Crocker - ‘Transcend’
Production, arrangement and execution of this track is just hands down amazing.
Alfa Mist - ‘Breathe’
Another incredibly inspiring London artist, especially love the floaty vocal on this track, a proper chill out tune.
Nate Smith - ‘Skip Step’
Legendary drummer crossing funky grooves with odd metres, so cool!
Hiatus Kaiyote, Taylor McFerrin- ‘Laputa’ (Taylor McFerrin Remix feat. Anderson Pakk)
This track features three artists we love. I love the production on this track - Props to McFerrin…
Yussef Kamaal - ‘Strings of Light’
The most influencial song in my opinion that changed the way I wanted to create and play music.
Study music in London with ICMP
If you're interested in developing your musicianship, learning from our regular industry guests and collaborating within the vibrant ICMP creative community, then speak to our Admissions Team. They're on hand to help you find the right course that matches your ability and aspirations. Contact the team on 020 7328 0222 or via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk and start your music career today.