Sounds that transcend typical music categories and could be described as therapeutic.
We at The Relishers asked Slippery Rock University percussionist and music therapy major, Nico Ricciuti, to share a suggestion with our community that could help bring the benefits of music therapy into our homes. A purveyor and maker of incredible sound, Nico enthusiastically jumped at the chance to spotlight one of his favorite discoveries for listening as a way to explore your own feelings. Next we hope Nico will provide recommendations for how to get started making your own music at home. If you have a specific question or request for a future article on this topic, email us at community@therelishers.com.
“In my world, a box of stars.” These are the first words heard on the 2018 album Djesse, Vol. 1 by Jacob Collier who was 23 years old at the time of its release. The album is an exploration of the sounds capable of a modern orchestra paired with a young modern composer. Listening, you will hear Jazz, Pop, Classical, and everything in between which inspired Collier. And really, everything has inspired him: Prince, The Beach Boys, Queen, Sting, Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones (with whom he is colleagues and friends), and basically any other musical artist you can think of. The result is a young man who is interested in sound itself. He starts with an idea, a sound he can hear in his head, then fiddles around with computer programs and instruments until he finds how to make what he hears into a reality.
Jacob Collier was born to two classically-trained violinists in Northern London. His mother teaches classes at the Royal Academy of Music in London. This gave him a foot in the door, as the Academy became the setting later in life for his first real education in musical theory. His first album, In My Room from 2016, was exactly that: recorded and produced entirely in his own room in his Northern London house, using his home computer and only the instruments he owned.
This album is perfectly distinctive of his style, combining elements of jazz, rock, pop, and the inner machinations of his own brain.
Collier’s second published musical venture takes the form of four volumes entitled Djesse. Volumes 1 and 2 have been released already, while volume 3 currently has three pre-release singles, including “Time Alone with You.” Djesse Vol. 1 is the perfect marriage of classic orchestral instruments with a contemporary jazz musician’s ideas, and some internationally-flavored textures mixed in. The first listen to this album is truly an impressive experience. No two songs are the same, but they all flow seamlessly together into one sound. Djesse Vol. 2 is much more heavily inspired by world musics and transformations of sound. As a musician myself, I am in awe of the things that Collier does which are absolutely mind-boggling. The notes he uses and the chords don’t make any kind of logical sense, but they perfectly convey the exact feeling he wants out of his sound. It’s beautiful and dizzying. The pre-released songs from Djesse Vol. 3 are each absolutely incredible. They dive into funk and pop styles far more than any of his earlier songs, collaborating closely with well-known pop artists like Ty Dolla $ign.
(Photo credit: Jacob Collier)
All of Jacob Collier’s music is framed in conveying emotions and less concrete feelings, rather than aspiring to be the most absolutely technically advanced piece of music ever created.
His music is not for a niche, it’s for everybody.
I firmly believe that there’s no song of his that anybody will dislike. Whether you’re just looking to relax and de-stress, or you are interested in expanding your musical brain, you can’t go wrong exploring Jacob Collier’s starry world.
In My Room and Djesse Vol. 1 & 2, as well as the three singles from Djesse Vol. 3, are all available to stream, purchase, and/or download from Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your music. Visit his website to learn more.
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