Movin' by Kolonel Djafaar

Too hot to handle, Tony Allen grooves meet Mingus big band power on “Movin’” as Batov Records lobs another dancefloor grenade from Belgium’s Kolonel Djafaar.

Kolonel Djafaar made a considerable impression on their ‘Cold Heat’ EP earlier this year. Their sharp blend of big band brass, Ethio-jazz, Afrobeat, and psych-rock won committed fans such as BBC 6 Music Radio’s Gideon Coe, and online tastemakers Music Is My Sanctuary.

“Movin’” began life as a much more complicated Mingus-inspired big band afrobeat number, hence the name, a tribute to Mingus’ classic “Moanin’”. However, the band members and their producer (a prolific musician in his own right) Roel Poriau, “turned the wheel”, and stripped the song and arrangement down to focus on the strong Afrobeat groove at its core. Though what truly lifts the song, is a very special trumpet solo from guest Bert Bernaerts, a veteran of the Belgian Afrobeat, funk, and jazz scenes.

“Movin’” is complemented by a remix from producer and percussionist Dr. Fre. Originally Fre applied for a vacant role as percussionist for the band, but with the Covid pandemic raging, his audition never happened. Instead, Dr. Fre delivered a subtle remix of Kolonel Djafaar’s new jam, tweaking the groove for maximum dancefloor effect, whilst putting his percussive talents to good use, adding some extra special seasoning.

“Movin’” is both a replenishing snack for 'Cold Heat’ fans and at the same time the perfect entry point for the less familiar listener.

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