Moses Boyd

The Rhythm and Soul of Moses Boyd
Moses Boyd, whose unique sound blends contemporary jazz with fused hip-hop, grime, and electronic music, is one of the most innovative and energetic musicians of our time. He has released several albums, including his debut named 'Dark Matter' which won the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2020. In this blog post, we will explore the life and works of Moses Boyd, his music genre, famous concerts, and critically acclaimed tracks.
Moses Boyd, born and raised in Catford, South-East London, came from a musical family. He learned to play the drums and percussions from his father, a calypso and reggae artist. His early influences ranged from grime, garage, and dancehall to jazz, funk, and soul. Hence, his music incorporates a wide array of styles and cultures.
Boyd first gained recognition as a founder member of the jazz group 'Binker and Moses.' He played drums in the two-album-long studio album ‘Dem Ones’ and ‘Journey to the Mountain of Forever,’ which were loved by international audiences. In 2017, Boyd made his solo debut with the EP ‘Absolute Zero,’ which showcased his mix of jazz and hip-hop beats, with an experimental approach that put him in a league of his own.
One of the key tracks that put Boyd on the map was 'Rye Lane Shuffle,' whose rhythms are a nod towards drum n bass, while the melody is heavily influenced by jazz. Released in 2018, the track won the Best Jazz Track at Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards. Other notable works of Boyd include the tracks 'Stranger Than Fiction’, ‘Dancing in the Dark,' and 'Shades of You.'
Boyd’s music performance is a magical experience that takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. He is regularly invited to perform at high profile music festivals such as Glastonbury, Love Supreme, and Coachella. During the summer of 2019, Boyd performed at the Jazz Cafe in London, and the audience's response was ecstatic. Boyd and his band have the unique ability to create a mood that blends the old and the new, with tight drumbeats, funky bass lines, and transcendent keys.
Critics have hailed Boyd as one of the most dynamic and influential artists in modern music. In one review, Pitchfork called him a visionary drummer breaking new ground in jazz. The latest album 'Dark Matter' signifies his bold step towards the fusion of jazz and electronica. The project features his long-time collaborator, the saxophonist Nubya Garcia. Together they created an album that is trance-inducing, and soul-stirring.
Moses Boyd is undeniably a pioneer in the jazz and hip-hop scenes, who continues to push the boundaries of his genre. His music defies categorization, and his mastery of the rhythmical complexities of jazz is unparalleled. From his grime-influenced debut to the futuristic and experimental work in ‘Dark Matter,’ Boyd has consistently proven that he is a force to be reckoned with. His music is an invitation to explore new sonic landscapes and a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend the visual, emotional and spiritual realms.
Moses Boyd is undeniably a pioneer in the jazz and hip-hop scenes, who continues to push the boundaries of his genre. His music defies categorization, and his mastery of the rhythmical complexities of jazz is unparalleled. From his grime-influenced debut to the futuristic and experimental work in ‘Dark Matter,’ Boyd has consistently proven that he is a force to be reckoned with. His music is an invitation to explore new sonic landscapes and a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend the visual, emotional and spiritual realms.