Drummer and composer Yussef Dayes can’t sit still for long enough to be properly described. Between his solo work, collaborative albums, and one-off releases with a wider array of other musicians, his scope reaches far and wide. His most celebrated projects to date are probably Black Focus, which he released with Kamaal Williams under the name Yussef Kamaal in 2016, and What Kinda Music, which he made with Tom Misch in 2020.
Dayes is widely celebrated for the work he creates with others, but on his solo debut, Black Classical Music, he steps into the spotlight—although it wouldn’t be a Yussef Dayes project without the help of some friends. Guests on the record include Dayes’ house band (Rocco Palladino, Charlie Stacey, Venna, Alexander Bourt) as well as features including Chronixx, Masego, Jamilah Barry, Tom Misch, Elijah Fox, Shabaka Hutchings, Miles James, Sheila Maurice Grey, Nathaniel Cross, Theon Cross, and the Chineke! Orchestra—the first professional orchestra in Europe to be made up of majority Black and ethnically diverse musicians.
A press statement leading up to the album’s release this Friday saw Dayes contemplating the origins of jazz. “Birthed in New Orleans, born in the belly of the Mississippi River, rooted in the gumbo pot of the Caribbean, South American culture and African rituals,” he reflected. “Continuing a lineage of Miles Davis, Rahssan Roland Kirk, Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong—music that is forever evolving and limitless in its potential.” On Black Classical Music, he takes this definition and expands on it in beautiful, unexpected ways.
Ahead of the album’s release this week, Dayes took the time to share some of the record’s influences—those within the realm of jazz and beyond. Check out his picks below, and pre-order the record here.
Byron Messia, “Talibans”
This has been my riddim of the summer!
Aaliyah, “Choosey Lover”
One in a Million is a classic, so hearing Aaliyah do an Isley brothers joint is the perfect combination.
Sampha, “Spirit 2.0”
I feel blessed to have my drums on this track. The more you listen, the more intricate details you pick up on and hear.
Donny Hathaway, “We’re Still Friends” (Live)
This is one of my favorite live records. Somehow it always makes me feel like I’m right there in the audience soaking up the vibes in real time.
Sade, “Pearls”
Sade is tha truth! I just love the classical elements with these strings and her voice stripped back.
Stan Getz & Luiz Bonfá feat. Maria Helena Toledo, “Saudade Vem Correndo”
This one here is a beautiful track—it takes me back to being in Brazil, one of my favorite places.
Nipsey Hussle, “Picture Me Rollin’”
This one gives me that bit of extra motivation while training.
Billie Holiday, “Solitude”
This is such a deep track. It brings me real peace.
Max Roach, “Effi”
Max is one of my favorite drummers and composers. Thank you to Gilles Peterson for putting me on to this incredible album!
Jaco Pastorius, “Portrait of Tracy”
This is a classic Jaco track. An incredible bass player.
Clara Nunes, “Canto Das Três Raças”
Brazilian carnival is something I’m looking forward to experiencing. Clara was a legendary samba singer, and this song is always played in the house!
