Jonny Tobin - Weekends (2020) [Hi-Res]

"Kicking off the new year with international appeal, Amsterdam-based Wicked Wax enlist Jonny Tobin for their tenth release. The Canadian keyboardist and songwriter has a knack for crafting his skill to cater to a wide variety of different styles, which are more than apparent on the upcoming ‘Weekends’ EP. Tobin tells a soulful story, weaving together modern-funk and neo-soul with jazzy synth leads, layered chord progressions and groove-oriented beats.

Since its release, the single ‘Kameleon’ has been doing well in the digital airwaves. In collaboration with talkbox virtuoso Swatkins from Portland and Melbourne based vocalist Meiwa, Kameleon is a smooth slow jam with a groovy synth bass. Accompanied by Tobin’s keen chord progression and Swatkins’ talkbox solo, the track feels like a elaboration of the Westcoast funk sound. Tobin bends the genre to his taste, adding his extensive knowledge of jazz.

Synth heavy solos, basslines and larger-than-life chords characterize the entire project. With four- on-the-floor cuts like ‘Praise’ and ‘Cosmic Ocean’ and the gospel-inspired b-side (referencing the Holy day of the weekend), the record encapsulates the mind of the Canadian producer and shows his wide inspirations. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the EP can easily be described as “a lush soundtrack to a sun-drenched weekend”.

Jonny Tobin is part of an up and coming wave of new artists within the modern funk and soul spectrum. The ‘Weekends’ EP sees him collaborating with artist from the same pool he’s in, such as Makadi, Guerschon Auguste, Janelle Reid and more. Together the collaborators are pushing their sound forward. something Wicked Wax is also keen on.

Additionally, Tobin got some help from AstroLogical, one half of Potatohead People. He guided Jonny and helped co-produce the EP, with great success as you’ll surely hear." - Mo Wrights