Acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and ‘queen of UK jazz-fusion’ (so says DJ and producer, Snowboy, and who am I to disagree?), the brilliant Emily Saunders is promising us a new album this year.

It’s an exciting prospect, which has prompted me to catch up on her latest releases. So here’s a look at (and listen to) the three most recent singles, which will feature on the album, from this supremely talented London-based musician.

Rugged Waves

Released last August (2023), this is a joyful, sunshiney treat, which instantly transports you to the seaside (as her wonderful Summer Days did).

Inspired by a visit to friends in Greece: sitting on the edge of a rocky cove, with waves “dipping and diving” around her, Emily wrote the bassline, grooves and lyrics on the spot, then took it home, arranging and producing the final track in her London studio.

Check out the video here.

Mashup

September’s (2023) follow-up has a much darker theme, but is equally infectious – driven along by a powerful bassline, which at times brings to mind the theme of a 1970s TV cop show. (They did have some great themes, didn’t they?)

This song highlights the plight of people around the world, who are losing their homes, livelihoods, and even their lives through the actions of others countless miles away.

Here’s the video.

All As One

The latest single (November 2023) from the upcoming album takes us back to happier territory. It’s a happy, upbeat track, celebrating people joining together in life, love, and connection. Emily explains: “All As One was inspired by heartwarming evenings of being with people dancing together – it’s about the power of music lifting us up, feeding our soul, and washing away the stresses of the day”.

As the lyrics go:

Dancing through the night

Knowing dawn is on its way

Still we fly and dance the night away

And we’re spinning til the morning light

Sunlight lifts its eyes

Rising high in the new sky

Tripping down the street we dance away

And we’re spinning til the morning light

There’s a lovely video here.

So, that brings us up to date. Now we eagerly await the next single, Sideways, due out in March (2024) and then the album itself, as well as a UK tour.

Having had the pleasure of seeing Emily live at a small Cardiff venue a few years ago, that’s certainly something to look forward to.

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