Photo by Brittany Teuber

Jazz-funk supergroup Nitecap has released its debut album, Things of That Nature, a 10-track set of original compositions that harkens on the contemporary synth-laden soul with jazz-funk and fusion modes of expression. The set weaves in texture to create a sonic tapestry that is uniquely suited to the players and inexplicably nods to greats like Mavin Gaye and other musical informants.

Nitecap is Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), and Drew Birch (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), who added their specific strengths to the process. Gilley and Deitch served as primary songwriters, exhibiting Gilley’s understanding of harmony with Deitch’s knowledge of rhythm, in addition to Fairman’s production skills–all of which account for the polished nature of the delivery.  

The band’s press release also speaks to Deitch’s calls to generate the final result, “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. 

Commenting on the latter, Deitch says, “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!”

Birch said, “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.”

Stream Things of That Nature now.