Saba, Bakey, Hiatus Kaiyote: Jazz Award FM 2025 nominee and Mercury Prize nominee corto.alto tells Wonderland about the tracks that are inspiring him at the moment.
Jazz music is deep within a purple patch in the UK. Revered artists are enjoying the best years of their career, and the wider sonic and cultural movement has etched ever deeper into the mainstream consciousness. The forthcoming Jazz FM Awards 2025, set to take place at KOKO on 24th April, is a emblematic celebration of the genre’s engulfing impact, with a line-up of nominees best suited to the biggest stages—from the Mercury Prize and Brit Award-winning five-piece Ezra Collective to stellar polymath Nubya Garcia and acclaimed singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka.
Another esteemed name among the nominee entourage is corto.alto, the Glaswegian producer and multi-instrumentalist who made major headway in 2023 with his stunning debut album, Bad With Names, which picked up a Mercury Prize nod and placed him right at the epicentre of UK jazz’s burgeoning popularity. Since, he shared a sprawling 30-pronged project 30/108, last summer, and a fresh single “31. Bleep (01)”, a few weeks back. With nominations for UK Jazz Act of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year and The Innovation Award, corto.alto could be in for a big night at KOKO on the 24th. To shine further light on the talented artist ahead of the awards ceremony, we asked him to round up the tracks that have been inspiring him of late in our latest On Repeat.
Listen to “31. Bleep (01)”…
corto.alto is On Repeat…
Saba, No ID, Madison McFerrin, Ogi, Jordan Ward – “Head.rap”
This is really one of my favourite tracks at the moment. I love where the drums sit in the beat, and the harmony/weird bars of 6. The chorus is gorgeous.
Medasin – “Always In a Hurry”
This album from Medasin was one of my biggest discoveries of last year. The production is beautiful and bold. His writing is amazing and this opening track sets up the album like no other intro track i’ve ever heard.
The Altons – “Over and Over”
Last year in the middle of the 85 shows we played, we were on our way to Rotterdam for a show. I found out that one of my favourite bands in the world was playing the same bill. The Altons are incredible, retro soul vibes done so tastefully. Too many good tunes to choose from but I really love this track.
Flozigg – “Mutual”
Not sure if that riff’s played on a synth or a guitar but it slaps.
Madeleine – “Hold Her”
So gutted these guys don’t play together anymore. This album is one of the best future jazz projects ever. Everything about this track is amazing.
Milena Casado – “Resilience”
My mate Mateusz sent me her stuff a few weeks ago. Ridiculous writing and trumpet playing. So happy to have discovered this album and track.
Pippa Blundell – “say”
Pippa is one of my closest mates. Shameless plug but I like to think this track would be on repeat in my gaff even if we weren’t so close. She’s such a beautiful soul and incredible songwriter. Her album’s out in June.
Champion, Bakey, Jamakabi – “International Man”
Young Bakey is the goat. Listen to this before a gig to get hyped.
Hiatus Kaiyote – “Stone or Lavender”
I listen to this in the van when I’ve dropped the boys off from a long tour and I cry.
corto.alto is nominated at this year’s Jazz FM Awards and performs at the Love Supreme Jazz Festival in July.
