Midnight.Blue, the new Denver-based funk supergroup led by SunSquabi‘s Josh Fairman alongside keyboardist Ian Gilley (Recess) and guitarist Jay.Greens, released its debut album, Breathe, on Thursday. The album is the first release from Perception Records, a label founded by Jay.Greens. The band will celebrate the album’s release with its first-ever live performance at a special album release/label launch party at Bluebird Theatre in Denver on September 1st.
Featuring an impressive collective of touring musicians including vocalist Lyle Divinsky, trumpeter Eric Benny Bloom (Lettuce), drummer Adam Deitch (Lettuce), and vocalists Halle Tomlinson (The Voice) and G. Finesse (Black Eagle Society) alongside Fairman, Gilley, and Jay.Greens, Breathe was written and recorded at various studios in Colorado over the past two years. The album represents a fresh approach to neo-soul weaving elements of funk, hip-hop, jazz, and R&B into a tapestry of catchy melodies, irresistible grooves, and undeniable musicianship.
“It has been an incredible journey creating this music over the last two years with my colleagues, mentors, friends and heroes,” said Jay.Greens. “I think I can speak for everyone involved when I say we put our hearts and souls into this music. It is my greatest hope that it brings you all, the listeners, as much joy as it brought us during its creation. A special process that I will cherish for the rest of my life, a deeply spiritual experience of collaboration, hard work, absolute focus, and love.”
The album features nine tracks ranging from slow jams to uptempo dance-floor-ready grooves. Previously released singles “Take the Time”, “Breathe”, and “20/20” featuring rapper G.Finesse appear on the album alongside heartfelt compositions like “Illumination”, which features soulful vocals from Halle Tomlinson, and experimental collaborations like “Show You How”, which was written by funk and soul heavyweights Deitch and Divinsky.
Breathe is now available on all streaming platforms. Stream the album via Apple Music in the player below, and click here to listen via Spotify.
The Breathe album release/Perception Records label launch party will feature special guests Recess and DJ Parrisian in addition to a headlining set from Midnight.Blue. Tickets are available here for $25 in advance, $30 day of show.
Midnight.Blue – Breathe