The Ashley Slater’s Heptet has released their latest album, “This is Fucking Nice,” and being a debut release, it has definitely taken me by surprise. Before diving into the album, let’s talk about this collective between two talented artists. Ashley Slater’s Heptet represents the culmination of a visionary collaboration between the acclaimed trombonist, vocalist, and arranger Ashley Slater and Czech Hammond organist Jan Korinek. Ashley, alongside Jan, has created something that carries the spirit of classic jazz musicianship while sounding completely on its own. The contributions from Osian Roberts on baritone sax, Ashley Svidersky on tenor sax, Hermon Mehari on trumpet, and Oliver Lipensky on drums give the album a rich, full-bodied character. Meanwhile, Lisa Hulinsky (LEAF) adds an extra touch of warmth to her appearances.
“Some bands play songs; Ashley Slater’s Heptet create moments you’d happily live inside for a while.”
The best part about this album is that it doesn’t rely on fancy production. It’s the simplicity of the sound that makes it beautiful to experience. From the opening tracks, I felt like I wasn’t listening to a studio recording so much as sitting a few feet away from the band as they played. There’s a looseness and warmth here that immediately makes the music inviting to your ears. The Hammond organ becomes a constant source of comfort throughout the record, while the bass arrangements bring color, swagger, and plenty of personality. What I enjoyed the most was how natural the album flows. Songs never feel rushed. They take their time, allowing groove to settle in and melodies to unfold at their own pace.
Tracks like “Can I Sing A Song For You? And “Right Here, Right Now” gives a touch of playfulness, while moments such as “Private Sunshine” and “One Breath Away” reveal softer, more reflective character. One of the album’s biggest highlights is “Still Crazy After All These Years.” The New-Orleans-style brass introduction instantly paints a picture before the song settles into a beautifully smooth and soulful atmosphere. “Turn On Tune In Cop Out” also deserves special mention. Rather than simply revisiting familiar territory, the band reshapes it with fresh energy and a grief that feels familiar. The fact that these performances were captured with musicians playing together in real time is something you can genuinely feel. I absolutely love such raw and unfiltered tracks where you can notice tiny imperfections, spontaneous interactions, and subtle shifts. I mean, that is what music is all about. Do give it a listen if you love candid music albums.
Catch the muse here:
Want to discover more such similar tracks? Check out our Instrumental Muse playlist on Spotify:
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