If you recall, "We all live in Brookyn Baby" and the message from Jon E's Easy Street is that Roy Ayers/Lonnie Liston Smith jazz-funk is very much a message for today!
Fans of Detroit Rising and the remixes (see review HERE) will know how House / Broken Beat Future Jazz vibes fit next to the greats of the 70s original jazz-funkers. And to that end we can now add UK born, Fremantle-based producer Jon E. who his returns to the label Natural Element, after his sell-out debut release ‘Smoke’ in 2025 captured the attention of DJs and dancefloors around the world.
'Messages From Easy Street, Part I' is the first of a two-part series of EPs that displays "the fruits of a deeply creative phase following an injury that had him bed bound for months. The sonic progression from his debut is tangible across all four tracks, with an enhanced palette and clear versatility. The EP is a deeper expression of his production skills and unique, authentic sound. Natural sounds of the city make for an organic touch throughout, giving tracks an atmosphere that makes them feel alive".
Picking up street sounds, 'One More Time’ sets the 'jazzy' tone with images of water fire hydrants going off (in Brooklyn) and summer street parties. Anded to that ‘We Can Make It’ (featuring Roxanne Myles on vocals) takes 'One More Time' up a level into the house.
‘Raise Them Up’ "takes things a little deeper with a moody roller inspired by Moodymann" and ‘Day n Night’ steers more into Broken Beats swing.
Perfect 12" for Part 1 of the summer, expecting Part 2 to be just as good.
BUY LINK / PRE-ORDER: Messages From Easy Street, Part I | Jon E. | Natural Element
Artist: Jon E
Title: Messages From Easy Street, Part I
Release date: 24th July, 2026
Label : Natural Elelment
Catalog Number : NE005
Format: LIMITED VINYL 12" / Digital / Bandcamp
