New Music: Jack Steadman as Mr Jukes and BJ The Chicago Kid in a jazzy comeback

Bombay Bicycle Club’s frontman Jack Steadman has returned with his new project under the name Mr Jukes following the band’s 2016 hiatus.

Steadman released his first single, ‘Angels / Your Love’, from the album titled ‘God First’ on Tuesday 21 March. The song is a soulful, jazzy collaboration with singer BJ The Chicago Kid, which may come as a surprise to some Bombay fans. But those who know Jack’s love of sampling music may not be surprised at all.

The track is saxophone-heavy beginning with light gospel vibes from the children’s choir in the ‘Angels’ first half of the song. Midway through the track, what can be described as feel-good jazz is cranked up before the entrance of BJ The Chicago Kid’s smooth vocals. Steadman has confidently taken an R&B turn with the mix of BJ The Chicago Kid’s silky runs, the funk-inspired samples and instrument compositions.

Steadman has confidently taken an R&B turn with the mix of BJ The Chicago Kid’s silky runs, the funk-inspired samples and instrument compositions.

A sample from Argentinian jazz star Jorge Lopez Ruiz is incorporated into the soulful single. Jack has expressed his love for the sampling world in several interviews and that comes through in Bombay’s latest 2014 album. A background love of bass and hip hop is noticeable in the newly-released song which has been described as ‘funk’ and ‘brassy’ music. ‘Angels / Your Love’ debuted as BBC Radio 1’s ‘Hottest Record in the World’ and Vevo’s track of the week.

The video itself is a psychedelic, animated visage of the horns and feet-tapping beats in the song coming to life. With three swaying figures at the start of the video as the choir sing ‘Angels’, it’s certainly hypnotic.

In a BBC Radio 1 interview on the song’s release date, Steadman said the inspiration for his name Mr Jukes came from a character in a novel called Typhoon that he read whilst on a cargo ship.

The single sees Jack owning the roles of musician, producer and composer – although, he has said he would never see the album as a “solo record” but would rather recruit collaborators for his new music.

The album, God First, is out on 9 June.