Devra's debut self-titled EP has arrived in full force
Italian drummer, composer and producer Devra has today arrived with his debut EP over on Root Records. Consisting of 5 tracks journeying across jazz, neo-soul and hip-hop, the EP is an introduction to the world of Devra and what’s to follow.
Sonically connecting with the overarching themes of transitional spaces between light and dark moments in life, the track acts as an introduction and mission statement of what’s to come. Inspired by the sounds of the Italian underground music scene, as well as hip-hop-inflected jazz of acts Robert Glasper and Roy Hargrove, ‘Moses’ also has space for expressive solos to trumpeter Francesco Fratini and tenor saxophonist Lorenzo De Luca.
Originally from Vicenza, Italy, Devra made a name for himself as a session drummer in his native country, collaborating with several artists on the national scene across the worlds of jazz and pop. His experiences and cross-genre collaborations led to him arriving at a personal synthesis resulting in his upcoming debut EP. It’s a project that moves between jazz and neo-soul, with echoes of hip-hop and RnB that reflect the musical shifts and transitions he’s been through in recent years.
“Moses was the first track that I wrote on the EP, and it was very challenging to write, in many ways. I had the idea of rhythmically introducing parts in ‘stolen time’ but created an obvious contrast through it developing into a strong hip-hop groove within a well-defined, formal structure.”
The EP's second single ‘Blood Water’, uses neo-soul as the canvas for creation, and sees Devra team up with vocalist Sara Vanderwert to deliver an explicit message on this track – it’s our duty as human beings to respect the Earth and our connection with it.
Combining dancing vocal and flute melodies with atmospheric synth layers and a bopping neo-soul backbeat, the track also retains the jazz throughline found across Devra’s upcoming EP. There’s space for tasteful solos from both tenor saxophonist Lorenzo De Luca and alto saxophonist Zeno Merlini, which channel the emotional energy delivered by Sarah Vanderwert’s vocal performance.
The EPs final single, ‘The Stealer’ acts as the final preview of Devra's expansive self-titled debut project -- A self-professed nod and homage to the late great trumpet player Roy Hargrove, ‘The Stealer’ paints a sonic picture of New York City. It puts the weaving horn lines of trumpeter Francesco Fratini and alto saxophonist Zeno Merlini front and centre, with their urgent, dancing melodies adding spice to the relaxed, half-time feel of the rhythm section. The title alludes to the jazz traditions of recycling and interpretation.
