released: march 28, 2025

genre: jazz

from: london, uk

label: aquarii records

a few thoughts: london-based keyboardist, producer and songwriter joe armon-jones has released part one of his two-part album titled all the quiet. this is his first solo album since 2019’s turn to clear view. and it’s well worth the wait! the 10-track album is full of rich, moving and eclectic compositions, as joe journeys through lavish, beautiful soundscapes, combining dub, soul, funk and hip-hop influences. the dub-led groove of the opener “lifetones” has heavy drumming and emphatic wind instrumentation that makes it an ethereal, emotive listen. the playful keyboard playing is incredible, and features all throughout this incredible album. the jittery, restless drumming on “forgiveness” is exceptional and adds a fast-paced energy that complements joe’s vast keyboard compositions. the rhythms of “kingfisher” featuring asheber on vocals is incredible and soulful, as the energy of the drumming again is what carries the groove of the track, as well as the subtle basslines and synth melodies throughout. joe’s piano melodies on “nothing noble” are stunning throughout, while the saxophone leads add a depth and uplifting energy to it that is just so hypnotic throughout. goya gumbani’s verse on “eye swear” is exceptional, as he ponders being lost in the maze of life, trying to make sense of his reality and breaking out of unhealthy habits and ways. the moody and reflective instrumentation on this track makes it one of the more urgent and melancholic moments on the album. the drumless “danger everywhere” is stunning, as joe provides this poignant and sombre key composition throughout. the upbeat energy of “the citadel”, with its playful, meandering key melodies and compositions, makes it another standout on the album, while the infectious and incredible drum-influenced drumming of “snakes”, especially on the second half of the track is so good. the quiet and subdued “show me” makes perfect way for the reflective and melodic closer “hurry up & wait”, a gentle track, with a lightness to the melody and overall energy that sometimes contrasts the heavy, full-on energy heard throughout the album. there is fire on this project, an energy that joe effortlessly creates with heavy drumming and moody, meandering keyboard-playing. all the quiet (part i)evokes quite a lot of feelings – on the one hand anger and despair, and on another an optimism for the future, which is brought together by his incredible band, and is a testament to his talents as a producer and arranger.

the album: