Ezra Collective Announces New Album ‘Dance, No One’s Watching’ and Global Tour

London’s trailblazing jazz quintet Ezra Collective is officially ushering in a new chapter of their sonic evolution. Following the monumental success of their Mercury Prize-winning album Where I’m Meant to Be, the band has confirmed the details for their highly anticipated follow-up project, Dance, No One’s Watching. This latest offering serves as both a celebration of the band’s growth and a testament to the vibrant, interconnected nature of the Black diaspora’s musical heritage.

A New Vision of Movement and Hope

While the band continues to draw from a rich tapestry of influences—including afrobeat, grime, calypso and traditional jazz—Dance, No One’s Watching leans heavily into the communal power of the dancefloor. Drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso has described the project as an exploration of joy as a form of resistance. By weaving together complex rhythms and infectious melodies, Ezra Collective aims to capture the specific energy of a room where every individual feels free to express themselves without the pressure of an audience.

The album’s creative direction was fueled by a desire to pivot away from the often-painful narratives associated with historical Black musical genres. Instead, the collective focused on the concept of “hope”—writing music in anticipation of a brighter, more inclusive future. This thematic shift is evident in the record’s expansive soundscape, which seamlessly blends technical jazz proficiency with the raw, pulsating energy of club culture.

Collaborative Brilliance

Ezra Collective’s ability to bridge disparate musical worlds is on full display throughout the tracklist of Dance, No One’s Watching. The album features an impressive array of guest artists who bring unique textures to the band’s signature sound:

• Pa Salieu: Bringing his distinctive grime-inflected flow to the project.
• Leona Lewis: Lending her powerhouse vocals to elevate the emotional core of the record.
• Lila Iké: Infusing the project with soulful, Jamaican-inspired melodies.
• Libianca: Adding a layer of contemporary R&B depth.
• Letitia Wright: The acclaimed actress contributes spoken-word elements, further grounding the album’s narrative themes.

Global Tour Itinerary

To celebrate the release, Ezra Collective is hitting the road for an extensive, multi-continent tour. The band is set to bring their high-octane live performance to major festival stages and iconic venues across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. Fans can expect a show that prioritizes audience interaction and the shared catharsis of live music.

Key 2024/2025 Tour Dates Include:

• June 26: Couleur Café Festival – Brussels, Belgium
• July 3: Love Supreme Festival – Lewes, United Kingdom
• July 10: Cruïlla Festival – Barcelona, Spain
• August 23: LA Jazz Festival – Los Angeles, USA
• October 8: YES24 Livehall – Seoul, South Korea
• October 13: Toyosu Pit – Tokyo, Japan

Why Ezra Collective Matters

Since their inception, Ezra Collective has been at the forefront of the UK jazz revival. By refusing to stay within the rigid boundaries of the genre, they have successfully brought jazz to mainstream audiences who might otherwise never engage with the form. Their commitment to social themes and their technical prowess have solidified their status as one of the most important bands in contemporary music.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the release date for Dance, No One’s Watching?
The album is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024, via Partisan Records.

Who are the primary members of Ezra Collective?
The quintet consists of Femi Koleoso (drums), TJ Koleoso (bass), Joe Armon-Jones (keys), Ife Ogunjobi (trumpet), and James Mollison (saxophone).

Where can I buy tickets for the upcoming tour?
Tickets are available through the band’s official website and local venue box offices.

As the band prepares to drop their most ambitious project to date, Ezra Collective isn’t just making music—they are building a movement. Keep an eye on their socials for further updates on singles and behind-the-scenes content leading up to the September release.