Since September, jazz-funk all-star quartet Nitecap has steadily been releasing singles giving listeners a sonic sampling of their robust sound palate that blends modern, synth-infused soul with jazz-funk and fusion. Comprised of the core powerhouse musicians Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), and Drew Birch (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), the band locks into deep-pocket grooves, weaving in synth-heavy textures and dynamic arrangements for a sound that is both timeless and boundary pushing. Today, Nitecap has released their debut full length album Things of That Nature via Perception Records that features ten original compositions. Listen to Things of That Nature HERE.
Nitecap came to life through a shared passion for collaboration and exploration, initially birthed during a rare bout of mutual downtime off the road. What started as late-night jam sessions among longtime friends quickly evolved into a fully realized band, fusing each member’s unique sonic identity into something entirely new. "We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas," recalls Fairman. The chemistry was undeniable, and the music naturally took shape, blending deep grooves with forward-thinking production.
At the core of Nitecap’s songwriting are compositions from Gilley and Deitch, sparking a synergy between Gilley’s rich harmonic sensibilities, Deitch’s masterful rhythms, and Fairman’s polished production. Gilley's compositions were the spark that lit the creative fire for the band during their initial sessions in Fairman's basement. "He's a prolific writer and has a very sharp memory bank full of different types of soulful, forward-thinking chord progressions," says Deitch. Deitch also contributed a few tunes that were collecting dust on his 2012 laptop and called in guest vocalists to help the songs take their final form with contributions from notable Pacific Northwest-based soul vocalist/songwriter Jarrod Lawson, Nigel Hall (Lettuce), Brittany Beckett (Watermelon Funk) and Collin Miller.
"The guest vocalists helped complete the range of the record, going between instrumental synth funk bangers to Marvin Gaye-esque vocal tunes that deal with the issues of the day in a poetic way. The mix was masterfully completed by Josh (bass) and the mastering was done by Nick Townsend of Infrasonic Sound. We are proud of this record and can't wait for all the fans of drippy synth funk/future R&B/ UK electro jazz to hear what we cooked up! Enjoy your NITECAP!" exclaims Deitch.
While the group originally started as a trio project between Detich, Fairman, and Gilley, the addition of guitarist Drew Birch as a full-time member was a natural move between joining his DIASTRATA and Flamingosis Live Band bandmate Ian Gilley on another project and previously collaborating with both Deitch and Fairman on various projects. Birch joins the band on half of the tracks on the record and will partake in all live and studio activities moving forward. "Watching this band and record grow in real time was an honor. All these guys are such incredible songwriters and vibe curators. I spent a lot of time at the studio with them during the conception of the project and was later added to help color some songs, layer melodies, and play the live sessions and shows. I think the 4 of us can really conquer some incredible things and I'm excited to see what the future holds," says Birch.
Notable tracks off of the album include "Long Haul," featuring international vocal sensation, Jarrod Lawson whose accolades span his eponymous debut album being hailed as “soul record of the year, no question” by acclaimed global tastemaker Gilles Peterson to winning ‘Soul Artist of the Year’ at the Jazz FM Awards in London to being name dropped by former First Lady Michelle Obama. Lawson cites drummer Adam Deitch as one of his musical heroes since his infatuation with his playing on the first John Scofield “Überjam” album, so when Deitch reached out about potentially collaborating on a track with his new project, he was all in. The framework of the tune was written by keyboardist Ian Gilley. Despite his lush intro on Rhodes, the locked in lofi aesthetic on Deitch’s drums, and Fairman’s pocket bass line, he liked it, but wasn’t necessarily in love with it. “It wasn’t until Adam sent it to Jarrod (Lawson) and I heard what is, in my opinion, one of the most amazing pieces of music I’ve gotten to be a part of,” shares Gilley, “The song talks about being in a relationship for the Long Haul, even when there are things in our own way. I feel like as a collective we made this sound and made it feel like Love.”
"Love and Light" features Deitch's Lettuce bandmate GRAMMY-winning vocalist Nigel Hall. The track speaks to our collective, often-untapped power to make the world a better place if we band together and channels transformative, relentless optimism through Hall’s lens as a Black man living in an unjust world. “Love and light will always lead the way, if we lead with it,” shares Hall on the impetus for the collaboration. ‘Love and Light’ is really a meaningful song for me, it captures a vibe and a message that's more important than ever, especially in the climate that the United States is in right now,” continues Fairman. “Division is running rampant, and it's up to us, the people, to come together to make the world we want to see. It's hard to be positive in lieu of all the darkness we see. Hopefully this song can be a little bit of that light that leads the way.”
On the instrumental side, “Plátonos” is the combination of Gilley’s cutting-edge synth sound and composition mixed with Deitch’s recognizable funky pocket and J. Dilla-inspired drumming that is anchored by Fairman’s confident bass swagger pulling double duty working his engineering magic.
To celebrate the release of Things of That Nature, Nitecap will perform at Cervantes' Other Side in Denver, Colorado on May 9th with support from Perception Records label mate Halle Tomlinson and Mikey Thunder. Doors are at 7 and the show beings at 8. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
Nitecap delivers a fresh, forward-thinking sound that reflects the collective artistry of its members. “We’re proud of this record,” says Deitch. “Fans of deep grooves and soulful, innovative music are in for something special.”
For more information on Nitecap, please visit: perceptionrecords.com.
