You’re at a party, tossing drinks back, pretending you know how to dance, and suddenly, the aux is passed to you. A pit grows in your stomach.
“Play something good,” your friend shouts over the speakers, but you can’t quite make out the words. The anxiety starts to works its way up. Your head gets a little foggy. Time slows down to a trickle, and then you begin feel alone, so alone, abandoned in the middle of a vast sea to be violently eaten by the jaws of criticism if you play the wrong thing.
Well, rest easy warriors of summer, because The Knockturnal is launching you a lifeboat with its “Summer Bops,” a weekly column dedicated to saving your ass whenever you need to impress that cute barista with the rare vinyl collection, or need that perfect song to complete that perfect party playlist you stayed up till 4am curating.
This week, we are proud to feature New Orleans-born trombonist Jeffery Miller’s “Lose Control,” a mirthful and infectiously groovy track that draws heavily on the diverse influences of his hometown’s enduring hip-hop, jazz, and R&B traditions. Relying on his sharp instincts and impressive range, Miller delivers a swinging, adventurous experience fueled by tight, aggressive rhythms and the explosive velocity of his prodigal trombone skills. While he isn’t the first torchbearer to channel Louisiana’s rich musical history into the lusty bounce and swagger of contemporary pop, Miller’s debut single is a promising attempt approaching a signature sound.
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