KOKOROKO - Could We Be More
Jazz That Smiles at You First
KOKOROKO makes jazz that smiles at you first. The London collective grew out of the city's Afro-diasporic scene, folding highlife guitars, Afrobeat pulse, and soul-soaked horns into something that feels like golden hour on repeat.
This isn't the "look-how-fast-we-can-play" kind of record. It's community music—patient, melodic, and warm—led with taste, not ego. You hear the band's roots immediately: West African lineage in the guitar patterns, Fela-sized respect for the groove, and that London ease where jazz happily shares a table with soul, alt-R&B, and broken-beat.
Sound & Production: Space and Feel
Sonically, Could We Be More is all about space and feel. The horns don't shout; they glide in long, singable lines. The rhythm section keeps a relaxed pocket—congas and kit moving like one instrument, bass hugging the kick just tight enough to sway your shoulders at low volume.
Keys float around the edges, adding a soft bloom without clutter. Even when the band stretches, the melodies stay front-and-center, which is why non-jazz listeners lock in so fast.
Essential Tracks
"We Give Thanks" is the mission statement: an unhurried build, hand-percussion breathing under a bright horn figure that opens like sunlight. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
"Those Good Times" delivers a mid-tempo cruise where the guitar's highlife chime and the horn harmony make "one more spin" feel mandatory. It's the kind of track that turns casual listeners into repeat players.
If you want something more contemplative, "Ewà Inú" is gorgeous—soft-focus keys, lyrical trumpet, a hush that invites you closer. It's the album's quiet heart.
Why This Album Matters
Could We Be More proves modern jazz can be deeply rooted and completely accessible. The band honors tradition without sounding like a retro act, and they prioritize melody and pocket over fireworks. That's the gateway.
If "jazz" has ever felt like homework, KOKOROKO hands you the answer key in the form of a groove you can actually feel. This is music that welcomes you in rather than testing you at the door.
The Vinyl Experience
On vinyl, it's a vibe machine—wide soundstage, pillowy low end, and brass that never turns harsh. Perfect for apartment-friendly listening where you want the room to glow, not rattle. The format suits the music's analog warmth and spacious production, making it an essential addition to any collection that values feel over flash.
Final Verdict: KOKOROKO has crafted an album that bridges generations and scenes without sacrificing authenticity. Could We Be More is patient, inviting, and proof that contemporary jazz can be both artistically rich and immediately enjoyable. Whether you're a jazz head or just looking for something beautiful to fill your afternoon, this record delivers.
