Manchester-born singer-songwriter Jess Edie will release her much-anticipated debut EP on 29th May
with Baltic Jazz Recordings. The three tracks are a heady collection of neo-soul tracks that blend classic
influences with a fresh twist, the EP introduces audiences to Edie’s rich, soulful voice and deeply
personal songwriting.
From her earliest memories humming along to Corinne Bailey Rae and Stevie Wonder, Jess Edie has
always lived and breathed music. A former soul choir soloist and Halle Choir member, she honed her
craft on stages across Manchester and Leeds while studying Music. Today, her sound draws on the
influence of Erykah Badu, Olivia Dean, Jill Scott, ELIZA and Sasha Keable, creating a space and world of
her own
“Music has gotten me through so much in my life,” says Jess Edie “No matter what I’m going through, I
have it to turn to and express myself. I want to bring people together, share positivity, and create
something true. I’m at the beginning of my journey, but I’m so excited to see where it leads.”
When Jess’s early Leeds demos landed on the desk of producer Steve Levine, the collaboration began.
Their shared vision for the tracks saw the relationship click straightaway, and the lyrics and creative
ideas of Jess were met with Steve’s studio wizardry and the unique working environment he creates
with musicians. The result is a stunning EP that explores love and human connection through
introspective lyrics and soulful grooves.
Brilliant new single ‘Futuristic’ with rising stars Maevey and Mama Terra.
‘Futuristic’ is a pitch perfect record, with spacey synths and Maevey’s distinctive vocals add a
lyrical depth to the record that kick starts 2025 for the artists involved. Mama Terra is the work of
Glaswegian pianist and composer Marco Cafolla. Maevey is based in Liverpool and is originally
from West Wales.
Baltic Jazz Recordings - the brainchild of legendary producer Steve Levine - has been making a
name for itself with previous collaborations, most recently with Maevey and MT Jones.
‘Futuristic’ continues this red hot run of releases from BJR, as it cements its burgeoning reputation. Steve taps
into his wealth of studio knowledge whilst working closely with these emerging artists to amplify
their potential and the results are fresh and thrilling additions to his sparkling CV.
On the track the featured artists explain how it came together -Maevey -
Working with Baltic Jazz Recordings takes me to exciting realms as a writer and singer. Any
pressure about what to bring vanishes, opening endless possibilities. That feeling hit me when I
heard the demo by Marco (Mama Terra) and Steve, sparking the idea to add vocals. The
collaboration was natural and joyous. They captured something complex yet absorbing, and I knew
how to shape my voice to create a delicate, determined overlay on the adventurous sounds of
Mama Terra & Baltic Jazz Recordings.
Marco -
“This collaboration with Baltic Jazz & Maevey was born out of a few joyous days I had at Steve's
Liverpool studio, playing his beautiful Rhodes and keyboards, tapping into Herbie's Sunlight phase,
George Duke & Casey Benjamin (Robert Glasper) sounds. Bringing Maevey onboard was an
inspired choice from Steve, where we took it home together with the lyrics and the iconic vocoder
sound to accompany Maevey's gorgeous soaring voice.”
Steve Levine -
“I've admired Marco's work as a solo artist and with Mama Terra. When I reached out for a
collaboration with Baltic Jazz Recordings, he immediately agreed. His keyboard playing on my
Rhodes and synthesizers added energy to our session, elevating my production. Together, we
crafted a track that clearly shows the range of Jazz, Funk, and Soul Baltic Jazz Recordings explores.”
Baltic Jazz Recordings is a new label set up by the Grammy and Brit Award-winning producer Steve
Levine. Based in Liverpool, they are bringing a fresh, modern take on jazz, neo-soul, classic pop and
lo-fi beats. Recent collaborations include the new EP with Maevey, ‘Re:Vealed’ as well as records
with Lois Levin and Ni Maxine. Baltic Jazz Recordings put out their debut long-player last year,
Re:Visioned. It featured some of the most exciting emerging talent from the north-west and
beyond, with fresh takes on classic and lesser-known tracks, brought to life with thrilling effect at
BJR’s Liverpool studio.
MT Jones in Liverpool at the age of 12 and since then has traveled the world as a
musician. He released his debut single ‘I Won't Ever Say Goodbye’ in 2022, a soulful,
heart-on-sleeve ballad that marked the start of an exciting string of releases. Growth has moved
fast, and now singles have gained support from Craig Charles on BBC 6 Music, Trevor Nelson on
BBC Radio 2 and across Jazz FM. Jones has also received strong support from BBC introducing,
with multiple spins across the network, and a feature as a ‘Step up’ artist on 1Xtra. He is
currently preparing for his UK live dates, featuring headline performances and a support slot
with Stone Foundation and Mama’s Gun.
Forever & A Day Produced By Steve Levine
Recorded and mixed at Steve Levine Recording Studio,Liverpool
Mastering by Mike Hillier at Metropolis Mastering London
MT Jones -Vocals, Drums, Perc, Bass, Electric Guitar, Rhodes Electric Piano,Prophet 5 & ARP 2600 Synthesiser.
Steve Levine - Drums, Perc, Synthesiser, Rhodes programming
Richard Mainwaring- String Arranger, Violin, Viola
Paul Von Mertens - Horn Arranger, Saxophone,Flute,
Andy Baker - Trombone, Bass Trombone
MT Jones Image Courtesy John Johnston Photographer
‘Forever & A Day’
Is a collaboration between record producer Steve Levine - and recording Artist MT Jones, they have created a track that sounds classic yet modern. Soul, R&B and jazz blend together to create a brilliantly contemporary pop track.
MT Jones’ expressive and emotional vocals sit perfectly with the Baltic Jazz Recordings expert production which brings the track to life with lush string and horn arrangements.
Steve Levine talks about ‘Forever & A Day’ -
“The writing process with MT Jones was really enjoyable. We both share a love and a passion for
classic soul music, in particular the later period of Motown and Philly soul. The production
techniques and orchestration used by those producers and arrangers of that era was really our
starting off point. Whilst this track shows our love of vintage soul production, it’s very much a
2024 session recorded using all the modern technology that I have available in my studio. A
homage to the great producers I grew up listening to “
MT Jones says - ‘Forever & A Day’
"Is a track about love, past, present and future. It was lovely to collaborate
with Steve on this track, he played a drum loop and I put some chords and started singing some
ideas on top of it. I enjoyed playing Arp 2600 synth on the track too, not something I typically do but was
told it was the same model of synth that Stevie Wonder used on the ‘Talking Book’ Album so I simply had to have a go and put it on the track. The strings really top it off and add that extra special touch too.”
Mævey is a Liverpool based singer-songwriter hailing from the landscapes of West Wales. Growing up in a large family, she and her sisters were encouraged to nurture their creativity. She has always been curious about the complexities and challenges of life and has used music and writing as a vehicle to explore the vulnerable parts of herself.
RE:VEALED EP Produced By Steve Levine
Recorded and mixed at Steve Levine Recording Studio,Liverpool
Mastering by Mike Hillier at Metropolis Mastering London
The musicians who have contributed to the making of this EP
Dave Ormsby- Drums & Percussion.
Vidar Norheim - Vibraphone,Glockenspiel,Congas,Percussion.
Jesse Eigen - Electric Bass.
Joe Smithson - Electric Guitar.
Jack Hymers - Rhodes Electric Piano,Prophet 5 & ARP 2600 Synthesiser.
Jack Beacall - Rhodes Electric Piano.
Richard Mainwaring- Strings.
Susan Lambert - Harp.
Paul Von Mertens - Saxophone,Flute,Piccolo.
Andy Baker - Trombone.
Mark Olen - Trumpet.
Kaya Herstad - Backing Vocals.
“REVISIONED” is the debut Album release from Baltic Jazz Recordings.
Album Produced By Steve Levine
for Baltic Jazz Recordings Ltd
Recorded and mixed at Steve Levine Recording Studio, Liverpool
Dolby Atmos versions mixed by Jonny Solway at Dean Street Studios London
Mastered by Mike Hillier at Metropolis Mastering London
The wonderful musicians who have contributed to the making of this Album
Dave Ormsby- Drums & Percussion.
Vidar Norheim - Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Congas,Percussion & Drums.
Terl Bryant- Drums, Congas & Percussion.
Jesse Eigen - Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass, Synth Bass.
Joe Smithson - Electric & Acoustic Guitars.
Jack Hymers - Rhodes Electric Piano, Acoustic Piano, Prophet 5 Synthesiser.
Jack Beacall -Rhodes Electric Piano, Acoustic Piano, Synthesiser.
Paul Von Mertens -Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo, Bass Harmonica.
Mike Smith Saxophone, Flute.
Jamie Brownfield - Trumpet, Flugal Horn, Valve Trombone.
Kaya Herstad- Backing Vocals.
Lois Levin - Lead Vocals.
Ni Maxine - Lead & Backing Vocals.
Levin is a true talent emerging from the streets of Liverpool’s Birkenhead with a voice that will capture all who hear her breathtaking sound. Drawing on her past, Lois has an unrivalled ability to evoke much of her past emotions into her music.
Inspired by many musical influences such as Marvin Gaye, Billie Holiday, and Alabama Shakes, Lois is already setting making waves and setting herself up for a big 2023.
Lois is no stranger to acclaim. Her first single, ‘Burden’, had radio playlisting, across national radio and Jazz FM, as well as plays across 6Music shows and the local BBC radio network.
Recently she’s had several BBC Liverpool shows including a BBC Introducing Live at the Cavern headline Gig with Dave Monks and is regularly programmed across key Spotify playlists.
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