Yussef Dayes - Black Classical Music (Album)

Photo Credit: Danika Magdelena

Celebrated multi-instrumentalist and visionary artist Yussef Dayes releases his highly anticipated debut solo studio album ‘Black Classical Music’, released via the revered Brownswood Recordings, Warners and Cashmere Thoughts.

“Black Classical Music” is Dayes’ 19 track debut opus. At every turn, Dayes distinctive drum licks and Rocco Palladino’s bass are the sturdy anchors; aided by Charlie Stacey (keys/synths), Venna (saxophone), Alexander Bourt (percussion), and a whole host of honourable 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.
 
The first single and title track “Black Classical Music” ft. Venna and Charlie Stacey was an incredible opening statement and entry point to this new chapter,  accompanied by a video directed by longtime collaborator Barka,  who also designed the album artwork. The next piece of the puzzle to be shared was “Rust” featuring long-time friend and collaborator Tom Misch, a welcomed meeting of minds between the two musical stalwarts. “Marching Band” and “Tioga Pass” followed, the former featuring vocal and instrumental contributions from esteemed Jamaican-American singer Masego and the later featuring Bass-virtuoso Rocco Palladino. The penultimate single to be shared from the album was the evocative and heartfelt track “The Light'' featuring voice notes from Yussef’s infant daughter Bahia Dayes. The final single, shared yesterday was “Pon Di Plaza” featuring Grammy nominated Jamaican singer and prolific collaborator Chronixx, famed for his works alongside Joey Badass, Major Lazer and more.