“Love Is The Message” is the superb debut solo single from the celebrated London-based Jazz drummer Yussef Dayes.
As some of you may know Dayes came to prominance as one half of Yussef Kamaal, a creative partnership with keyboardist and producer Kamaal Williams, that resulted in 2016’s Black Focus. The duo have since disbanded in a bid to pursue their own projects. Whilst Kamaal released a solo record, The Return, earlier this year, this new single is the first tantalising taste of Dayes forthcoming solo work.
The single, a product of a jam session, sees Dayes teaming up with producer, pianist and composer Alfa Mist, and guitarist Mansur Brown. Whilst the track might be just shy of seven and a half minutes, it certainly doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. “Love Is The Message” is a bright, shimmery joy, with Dayes’ controlled and intricate drumming combining exquisitely with Alfa Mist’s keys and synths, all before Mansur’s guitar work enters the mix in the song’s final minutes, taking it up a notch.
“Love Is The Message” is an enticing glimpse at what’s to come, not to mention a welcome reminder of Dayes’ skills as a drummer, and that he’s definitely one to watch!
“Love Is The Message” is available now from Dayes’ new Cashmere Thoughts label. You can also follow Dayes on Facebook and Instagram
