Album of the Week (2): Dance, No One’s Watching by Ezra Collective

Released: 27th September 2024, Partisan Records

Vinyl Price: £27.99 (Rough Trade) 

Producer: Self-produced

With their third album, Ezra Collective seek to build further on the success of their sophomore effort by inviting us into a more expansive listening experience which brims with energy, rhythm and fun.

Like many, my first introduction to Ezra Collective was last year, when Where I’m Meant to Be, the band’s sophomore album, stunned critics and viewers alike by winning the highly esteemed Mercury Prize, making the band the first ever jazz act to achieve this accolade. Watching their performance of the lead single Victory Dance, I was completely awestruck, both by the sheer musicianship and talent on show, as well as the infectious energy which the band brought to the stage. From this moment on, I was an avid fan, so when the band announced their third album Dance, No One’s Watching, I was filled with anticipation.

Throughout the album rollout, Ezra Collective have made it clear that this album differs from Where I’m Meant to Be; whilst they described that album as being “locked in” (in reference to the recording of said album during Covid-19 lockdowns), they describe their latest offering as a celebration of “being outside and free” and a “documentation of the dancefloor through different cultures.” This difference in approach is clear to see, with Dance, No One’s Watching having a much more carefree energy, with songs which encourage the listener to sit back and relax rather than to “lock in.”

This can be seen clearly in the band’s lead single God Gave Me Feet For Dancing. With a noticeably more stripped down instrumentation, rather than pick apart the composition of the song, Ezra Collective instead encourage the listener to simply listen and enjoy the vibe, which is built through a mix of consistently catchy drumbeats and bass, coupled with an amazingly emotive repeating trumpet and saxophone line, and the beautiful guest vocals of singer Yazmin Lacey. Put together with a stunning music video featuring dancers/choreographers Kikz Katika and Michele Zan, it’s a song which perfectly encapsulates the aim of this album, and one which you can easily envision hundreds of people dancing along to at a live show. 

Further songs emulate this different style, most noticeably No One’s Watching Me, which features vocals from the incredible Olivia Dean. Again, rather than a focus on intricate instrumentals, this song opts for a laid back instrumental which only serves as the backbone for Olivia Dean’s jazzy and soulful voice, which tells of the joy of dancing whilst not caring what other people think.

Do not worry though; the riotous energy of previous records is still present here. Taking its name from Yoruba slang ‘Ajala Travel’, literally meaning the inability to sit still, the single Ajala shows Ezra Collective producing a song which is almost impossible not to move to. The drumming of Femi Koleoso is a particular standout on this one; not once in the entire track does it let up in the slightest. Further tracks Expensive and Shaking Body also succeed in providing the listener with a similar atmosphere of electricity.

A review of this album would be incomplete without acknowledgement of the track, Everybody. If God Gave Me Feet For Dancing showed the band’s ability to create a smooth, soulful ode to to the joy of dance, and Ajala succeeded in getting everyone up on their feet, this track, which closes out the album, is Ezra Collective at their very, very best. Starting out with a very typical solo jazz piano section, the song slowly builds into what can only be described as a cacophony of sound as each individual member of the band demonstrates total mastery of their respective instruments. It feels like a celebration of music, dance and jazz and is a perfect closer to the album, whilst for me, also being the best song.

In my opinion, this album is a must-listen. Ezra Collective have managed to create an album which builds on the success of their previous records, whilst also expanding their style, creating a set of songs which should have something for everyone. Some of the songs on the track list may not be as intricately composed or complicated as on previous records, but this is not the point of the album. It’s a celebration; of jazz music primarily, but also just of music and, most importantly, dancing to music. It’s hard not to enjoy.Lyric of the Week: “I’m blessed to be unstressed, Let me forget with you, Ain’t no one watching you, No one’s watching you, We can move”. Sung by Olivia Dean, these lyrics perfectly capture the entire essence of Dance, No One’s Watching.