- Words Darcy Culverhouse
South London artist Rowan Flack cements her position in the UK Jazz scene with her latest EP, Forest Fires.
Putting her contemporary touch on the jazz genre is none other than rising artist Rowan Flack. Whilst whisking up introspective yet contemplative lyrics her clear vocals shine through enticing grooves and soulful rhythms as listeners are enveloped in a soothing soundscape reminiscent of a warm sip of tea.
Renowned for her adept fusion of spacious jazz, indie, folk and bossa nova grooves, the Brit School-trained artist is building an impressive discography that reflects her world-class musical training. Breaking through genre boundaries has become her bread and butter, a trait she continues to only elevate in her sophomore EP, Forest Fires.
Across its five tracks, the EP immerses listeners in intricate and lush atmospheres, where Rowan’s hallmark grooves intertwine with soulful and complex rhythms. Melodically, each element is woven together with precision, all with one aim: to take listeners to a familiar place of warmth and relaxation.
In ‘Tipsy On The Tongue’ funky backdrops set the stage for Rowan’s sultry vocals, while ‘Sun Song’ captivates with tender piano melodies driving its spellbinding rhythm. And then there’s the EP’s lead track, ‘Forest Fires’, a layered composition infused with a jazz edge perfectly complementing Rowan’s softly sunken vocals.
Rowan gives an insight into the title track, “The track was written with Brazilian bassist Dinho Barral during a Help Musicians writing week with Squeeze’s Chris Difford. We were very much inspired by Esperanza Spalding’s music, groove-inspired with lots of layers. I also took some influence from Astrud Gilberto’s sound, her effortless delivery and gentle tone.”