22a

22a on vinyl: new jazz from London

In short: 22a is a London label from the 2010s, shaped by flautist and saxophonist Tenderlonious. It stands for the young London scene in which jazz, hip-hop beats, house and broken beat flow into one another. The Vinyl Room currently has 21 22a records.

From our stock

22a first pressings

Contemporary jazz & afrobeat

Beats, house & broken beat

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→ Contemporary jazz · Afrobeat · Jazz on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing

What makes 22a special?

The heart of the label is Ruby Rushton, Tenderlonious’ band: “Two For Joy”, “Trudi’s Songbook” in two volumes and “Ironside” combine spiritual jazz with afrobeat grooves. With the 22archestra he recorded “The Shakedown”, a larger line-up with horns.

Alongside, 22a shows its closeness to the club: Henry Wu – an alias of Kamaal Williams – shares a record with Jeen Bassa, Al Dobson Jr. one with Tenderlonious. From Manchester come Nick Walters and the Paradox Ensemble with “Awakening”, from Poland EABS with “Kraksa / Svantetic”.

FAQ

Who is behind 22a? The London musician Tenderlonious, who also plays on the label with Ruby Rushton and the 22archestra.

Is 22a jazz or electronic? Both: jazz with horns and flute sits next to beats, house and broken beat.

Who is Henry Wu? An alias of the London keyboardist and producer Kamaal Williams.

What do you have on 22a? Jazz and beats from the 2010s – 21 records in all.