The keen reader will gladly remember British jazz sensation Rowan Flack from a feature we published earlier this year, praising ‘Make Me Whole’ as a “hypnotic, tender listening experience steeped in expansive storytelling and nostalgic imagery.” We stand by our words: everything about the project points towards Flack’s luscious and elegant jazz allure, a quality that’s been partly lost nowadays, at least when it comes to popular culture. Yet, Rowan is keeping it alive. ‘Nap on the Sofa’ is the perfect example of that.
Marking the talented songstress’s latest EP, the record includes the aforementioned single, alongside the title track and a brand new offering, ‘Tipsy’. What unfolds before our ears is an incredibly nostalgic and nuanced stream of jazz goodness, featuring the expert instrumental backing of Jack Lecomber (bass), Rob Dimbleby (keys), Andrew McCoubrey (drums) and Celeste Cantor-Stephens (trumpet). As a quintet, the ensemble moves with tenderness and charisma, allowing Rowan Flack’s cathartic vocals ample space to grow and evolve, both in intensity and melodic complexity.
Delving deeper into the record, Flack explains: “It’s inspired by the gentle rhythm of a long-term relationship. It’s playful and a little self-mocking… I love how the band interacts on this project – it feels very conversational in this live setting. I wanted to capture the songs as close to how we play them live.” That’s perhaps what most impresses us about Flack’s committed artistry. At a time when technology and AI fakeness are taking over the music landscape, Rowan brings the focus back on authenticity and community. The result is a lively, organic record that’s a joy to listen to.
Recommended! Discover ‘Nap on the Sofa’ EP now: