Jazz musician Oscar Jerome… Fills the spoon with introspection

One of South London’s hottest musical talents has released a new album and set tour dates across the UK, writes James Twomey.

Oscar Jerome, one of the UK’s leading jazz musicians has released his sophomore album, The Spoon.

The introspective project spans across 12 tracks and offers a refreshed creative approach as he inhabits different personas to provide the most transparent version of himself to date.

The album was born mid-pandemic when Oscar found himself at crossroads in his life and alone in Berlin using time and space to reflect and eventually create the early beginnings of The Spoon.

Narratives of masculinity, melancholy and insecurities were explored in a run of releases including, Berlin 1 and Channel Your Anger in addition to an orchestral version of lead single Sweet Isolation alongside Metropole Orkest.

In the lead-up to the release this month, Oscar showcased album cuts at his sold-out Peckham Audio show in June before performing at Berlin’s XJAZZ festival.

He said: “The Spoon takes an arc from emotional, sad boy to angry man looking out at this mess humans have created and then to a more light, open and accepting place of reflection on the beautiful parts of this existence. The main aim is to make you feel something.”

Coming to life over the past two years, Oscar went into hibernation to birth tracks between studios in Berlin and London.

Two years since his highly regarded, debut album Breathe Deep, his latest project reflects his feelings of depression, capitalism and the ongoing injustices of the UK.

Showcasing a new level of creative melancholy, Sweet Isolation and Berlin 1 sees the introduction of parody characters, Jerry and Ice Guycicle who combat the dark undertones with a humorous touch.

A contrast of intimate and gentle moments can be heard throughout the album with blissful poetry remaining at the heart of the record.

The second half of the album commences with Feet Down South driven by jazz guitar chops met with introspective lyricism about anxiety.

Translating his deep thoughts surrounding the challenge of representing himself personally as a performing musician, Feed The Pigs and Use It reflect the journey of his inner emotions.

Although some of the record was developed in Berlin, Oscar has settled in South London after leaving his birthplace, Norwich, 11 years ago.

Oscar has become an anchor within the London jazz scene at the hands of his virtuous sonic and live show since bursting onto the scene in 2016.

The Spoon was released digitally last Friday and will be released on vinyl in December, with a tour date at Lafayette in King’s Cross set for November 30.

 

Pictures: Oscar Jerome – Picture: Alex Waespi