Monterey J - Welcome 2 South London (EP)

Monterey J Drops Welcome 2 South London.

South London’s own jazz and neo-soul force, Monterey J, has just released his second album Welcome 2 South London (Aug 1) — a love letter to the city’s vibrant creative scene.

Known for blending smooth vocals with virtuoso alto sax, Monterey takes listeners on a groove-heavy journey through the boroughs south of the river, joined by a stellar lineup of local talent. Alongside playing sax, bass, guitar, piano, and synth himself, the album features contributions from Joey Robbins (drums), Tay Harvey (bass), Dan McConkey (tenor sax), and guest appearances from Telica, Marika, Hillarynx, and Southsidefinn.

Produced by Grammy-nominated Teo Marangon (Keyon Harrold’s Foreverland), the record moves between lush jazz instrumentals, neo-soul moods, and R&B textures — even capturing one standout sax take in Teo’s bathroom for a perfectly natural reverb.

Speaking on the release, Monterey says: “This project tells the story of my personal experience in South London’s creative community… I wanted to show both the highs and the lows of navigating this exciting time in my life, with each collaborator adding a different voice to the story.”

With roots in both Italy and London, Monterey J continues to carve out his own genre-fusing lane — one that’s already landed him praise from DMY, Notion, Hoxton Radio and more, plus headline shows at 91 Living Room, Two Palms, CLF Art Lounge, and The Cavendish Arms.

Welcome 2 South London is out now via Minds Aye Music / AWAL.