S&W EP – J. Aissa

J.Aissa arrived on the Scandi soul scene in 2019 and transfixed listeners with his transformed blend of soul/R&B. A classically-trained saxophonist, today his instrument of choice is his voice which he uses with the same skill and undulating dynamics.

J.Aissa style feels lightly underlined with influences from Prince, swinging vibrantly between feminine and masculine senses. The Swedish singer fills a void in the Nordic soul scene of male vocalists vacated by Christoffer Hiding, and claims the seat alongside fellow Swedes Kaah and newcomer Hannes.

Throughout this four-track EP, the breadth of J.Aissa’s vocal pitches keeps every track on a deeply engaging level. The hip hop feature on Trees adds variety and urban attitude without feeling forced and fused within a dreamlike rhythm.

J.Aissa falsetto pitch is killer on the haunting and sensual S&W. This unerringly beautiful song is worthy of timeless, repeated listening. Having revisited this track several times, it still moves the soul. It has the sensitivity of an R&B slow Jam and the elegance of a ballet dancer. Either side are the tracks – XX Moons, which blends soul/hop in a catchy chorus and electronic beats and the hypnotic – Velvet Waters.

J.Aissa achieves an absorbing quartet in this debut collection with enough precise moments vocally, and musically to demand your attention beyond a single play. In today’s fast-flowing waterfall of new music, it takes someone special to achieve that.