Cinematic Chromatics Vol. II is inspired by the cross-overs between funk, soul, hip-hop and jazz in the New York scene, with Nick Marks bringing a touch of the cinematic to proceedings.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Lauren Desberg

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and now based in New York City, USA, Nick Marks is an artist who is difficult to categorise. He is at once at film scorer and concert musician, and underground jazz and hip-hop connoisseur. With his Cinematic Chromatics series, he is attempting to bring the two worlds together.

Vol I of the series was Nick’s debut EP, and earned him praise from the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Huey Morgan, Deb Grant, Tom Ravenscroft and Don Letts. Vol III is expected to be released later this year. Vol. II sits nicely nestled between the two, giving us a varied collection that moves from the laidback bars of Keep Goin’ Gotta Keep Up to the jaunty electronica of Touché Hombre and the simmering sultriness of Back To Life before arriving at chilled lo-fi closer Between Gigs.

The album’s guest vocals from Doron Lev give the collection some unique textures while the individual tracks are held together by an inimitable style and swagger. A foundation of funk provides a spring board to jazzy brass and punchy percussion. Enhancing it all is Nick’s ability to compose, infusing each selection with plenty of atmosphere.

Nick’s latest is a vibrant and fresh EP with a little something for everyone. It’s effortlessly cool while still pushing musical boundaries. If you like to get down, get down to it.

Cinematic Chromatics Vol. II features Doron Lev on drums, lyrics and rapping (Keep Goin’ Gotta Keep Up, Back To Life), Dave Levy on trumpet, Andrew Gould on alto saxophone, Sam Dillon on tenor saxophone (Keep Goin’ Gotta Keep Up), Bob Lanzetti on electric guitar (Touché Hombre), Sarpay Ozçagatay on flute (Touché Hombre), Danny Hayoun on electric guitar (Keep Goin’ Gotta Keep Up), Adam Fallen on electric guitar (Between Gigs) and Chris Ott on trombone (Between Gigs).

The EP is out now and you can check it out below.