This ten piece ensemble – complete with horn and string section (including a harp) – were mesmerising on a Thursday night in Highland Park, LA. Midnight Hour founder members are Gary Young and Ali Shaheed Muhammed – from Tribe Called Quest – and they put on the excellent Jazz is Dead series bringing jazz players from around the world to LA.

Classic soul and funk, sophisticated arrangements, stand out playing – overall just total quality. Sampled by Kendrick Lamarr. Big up to Gilles Peterson – like a lot of music I listen to, first discovered on his BBC6 Music show. I’m over generic geezers with guitars – this is the music I am all about.

Midnight Hour @ Lodge Room, Highland Park Los Angeles