New Zealand born, Australian raised singer/songwriter, master producer and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei took to the Big Top Tent at Cheltenham Jazz Festival promptly at 5.30 pm on Saturday May 4th 2024.

The stage set up was visually stunning with the lighting and the array of talent from the 9 piece band and Rakei himself. Beginning the set on the piano with the entire band playing alongside him, Rakei’s vocals were stupendous and the Jazz infused, trip-hop music instantly flawless.

Jordan Rakei is a completely new artist to me – I am not ashamed to admit that. One of the most beautiful things about a music festival though, is to go into an artists set completely blind and see if you are captivated by the end of it. Well I was captured by his talent from the very start. The music was enchanting and atmospheric, pouring out feelings of serenity that generated a completely chilled audience. Stunning harmonies, exquisite bass lines, sensational saxophone, electrifying guitar riffs and addictive beats from the drums and percussion, the band were phenomenal and masters of their craft!

Playing old music and new (all new to me) stand out moments came from the very heartfelt and emotive songs from his new album The Loop. State of Mind, he had never played live before. Explaining that the new album is about parenthood, he spoke of a song he wrote for his son which was written acapella as he was taking the dog for a walk with his son in the baby carrier. His son in the audience and I believe seeing his dad live for the first time, Jordan says he hopes his son can hear him and that he has a good nights sleep tonight! The song was emotional and inspiring. As a mum myself to a boy close to his sons age, those lyrics hit home and his words sung true of how a parent feels. Freedom was another mind blowing moment which truly showcased the ridiculous amount of talent that were on his stage!

The set closed with a fantastic new song called Friend or Foe. An incredibly delightful evening, Jordan Rakei and his band played a magical cinematic masterpiece of a show that felt almost like a dream!

Not a completely sold out show, there will undoubtedly be many wishing they had come along. They made a new fan out of me!

Rakei is set to release his fifth album The Loop via new label (for him) Decca on May 10th 2024. Pre order here.