Jazz Plus Picks 022 | Pocket Dragon | 17.04.18

Gangster funk neo-soul groovers Pocket Dragon are currently touring the UK – we caught up with them to chat their favourite tracks and their favourite type of dragon emoji.


Esperanza Spalding – Rest in Pleasure

Everything about this album is beautiful, sounds like Hendrix mixed with a lot of jazz.  The bridge on this tune is great too, we know it as the Coldplay bit. So much energy and release!

Moses Sumney – Don’t Bother Calling

His melodies move beautifully and the harmony is wonderful. His voice is unlike anyone else’s, really special and full of emotion.

Bahamas – Way With Words

With Gadson and Palladino in your rhythm section, you’re guaranteed to get a banger. Great arrangement, every instrument has its space and we just love his vocals.

Somi – They’re Like Ghosts

Again, this whole album is great. We love the beat on this tune, tribal but modern – and her voice is so good! Check out the string arrangement halfway through too, awesome movement.

Noname – Yesterday

She’s a very kind rapper, no swearing (except for a few occasions), but just good stories with great audio production. Makes us look forward to the summer.  You should too!

Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White – Look At What The Light Did Now

Listen to these drums! Best sounding record we’ve heard in while. We got quite obsessed with this album…  I have no words for the bassline in the verse. (Phil)

Louis Cole – Thinking

We can’t wait for him to finally release his album. Those three short songs he released last year are hilarious and if the album is going to be anything like it, we’ll be happy Dragons.

Kiefer – Tubesocks

Laidback and gangster.  Need we say anything else?

Vels Trio Feat. Shabaka Hutchings – 40 Point

We love the melody on this tune. This EP also just sounds great, really well recorded. Fantastic new trio on the block.

Joni Mitchell – The Jungle Line

This song reminds of surfing. I only listen to it in St’ Ives, Cornwall. They recorded a group of North African drummers to emulate a jungle feel in the craziness of Brooklyn. (Callum)

Moonchild – Winterbreeze

We are basically a poor man’s version of Moonchild with acoustic drums. This is the song that introduced us to them. Chorus is weird and wicked.

Nick Drake – Riverman

The harmony and string arrangement in this song is beautiful and dark.

Lauryn Hill – Ex Factor

From her iconic album – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – her silky smooth RnB vocals are a must listen for any singer.  This track is heartfelt, but still gives the summer vibes and ALL the beautiful harmonies.  (Emma)

The Jacksons – Lovely One

I love a bit of Michael Jackson, not forgetting some great tracks from The Jacksons.  This song could fit perfectly on MJ’s first solo record, but I love the group dynamic on the chorus.  Also the bass is insane on this! (Emma)

Submotion Orchestra – Variations

These guys are great – they have a very individual mix of soul, ambient vibes and dubstep influences, amongst other things.  This is their latest release – I love the entrancing vocals on this track.


We’ve been working with Pocket Dragon on their April tour.  Make sure you catch them at a venue near you for that gangster funk, neo-soul laden sound that’ll have you vibin’ to their stuttering grooves and off-kilter rhythms.

Saturday 14th April – Cardiff – Gwidhw Cafe Bar

Wednesday 18th April – Leeds – The Domino Club

Thursday 19th April – Manchester – Matt and Phreds

Friday 20th April – Edinburgh – The Jazz Bar

Saturday 21st April – Durham – Empty Shop

RSVP to the tour here: https://www.facebook.com/tours/981577188666006/


As always you can head over to our Spotify playlist to find all these tunes and all the tunes from our previous Picks in one eclectic place! We’re @jazzplusprods.