Jazze Belle

Harlem-based electro-soul duo Jazze Belle (composed of Taylor Simone and Jett) just dropped “Jagged Edge,” a playful and edgy composition which has a wide range of sonic reference. The track was recorded by No Smoking sometimes-staff member Dominick Chang, who donated his Moog Sub Phatty to the mix.
The track begins with a crunchy bassline that moves in a vaguely circular progression, laying a solid foundation for Simone’s vocal delivery and extended metaphor (“a jagged feeling, I been walking on one leg since I met you, I’m uneven at best”). Synth and vocal layerings prove to be both tasteful and pleasant, developing into a plinky-yet-smooth chorus section which recalls the hyperspeed beats of Flying Lotus. I really enjoy the weird genre space that this track occupies – it’s not entirely soul (though the vocal delivery is firmly soul-related), not entirely jazz (though the synth licks would lead you to believe as much), but occupies a cool sort of future-funk/neo-soul/I’m-sick-of-making-up-genres category that is all of them and none of them at once. - Jonathan Ben-Menachem

Listen to 'Jagged Edge', the first single from Jazze Belle - Harlem-based electronic-soul duo comprised of producer/instrumentalist Jett Carter and singer/songwriter Taylor Simone. Their camp states, "With influences such as Flying Lotus, Jill Scott, and Outkast, the two share a sound influenced by jazzy vocals, dark chords, and edgy, hip hop digital production.' Get into Jazze Belle's debut release below, a perfect introduction to their sound.
By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor - Alexander Aperlaku

Not much I can say about this record since I haven’t heard anything like it. Jazze Belle has a beautiful voice that blends perfectly with this unique beat. I would love to see some visuals for “Jagged Edge” but sadly, only the audio was released. Whatever you do, make sure you give this a listen. You won’t be disappointed. - Two Percent

With a name like Jazze Belle, it's easy to fall into the trap of calling their music "Jazzy". The problem is... it really is jazzy! Well, their latest release is. Think of 'SCW' as a modern refresh on a classic sound with singer Taylor Simone living up to her namesake, providing sweet, soulful retro-inspired vocals with sensual, heartfelt lyrics over producer Jett Carter's piano-tinged and slightly sparse production. Their SoundCloud page also houses another track 'Jagged Edge', which provides another more frantic side to this musical duo's offering. I'm keeping an eye on this pairing; I can sense greatness. - Courtney Buck

NYC duo Jazze Belle’s highly attractive, electro-soul sound has many influences including Outkast (duh), Erykah Badu and Flying Lotus. We get a taste of each of them on their recently released ode to reflection, SCW (Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda) but there are also some Jazz elements at play as well. Channeling Lady Day, Taylor Simone’s bluesy recollection of regret over Jett Carter’s funky, piano-led production is just the thing to help you decide we need to hear more from them. Head to their site for more. - DJ Rahdu