Weirdo

Emma-Jean Thackray’s recent experiences of loss and introspection have deeply influenced her creative output. In January 2023, she faced the sudden loss of her partner of 12 years — a tragedy that plunged her into deep depression. This period of intense emotional turmoil became a catalyst for creative expression, culminating in Weirdo, which she describes as a “grief diary.”

Hailing from Leeds, West Yorkshire, Thackray began her musical journey playing the cornet in local brass ensembles during her youth. These early ensemble experiences laid the foundation for her multifaceted musical career. She pursued formal education in jazz performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, followed by a master’s degree in orchestral jazz composition at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

Thackray is clearly someone who has put in the hard yards when it comes to theory, and her discography reflects her evolution as an artist unafraid to blend genres and push boundaries. Her 2016 debut EP Walrus showcased her unique grasp of groove, while 2018’s Ley Lines drew comparisons to U.S. heavyweights like Madlib. Her 2021 debut album, Yellow, showcased a blend of jazz and funk influences, earning critical acclaim and topping the UK Jazz Albums Chart.

Throughout her career, Thackray has been open about her struggles with mental health, including anxiety and panic attacks. Her music often serves as catharsis, allowing her to channel personal pain into powerful compositions. This vulnerability and authenticity have resonated with audiences, solidifying her place in the contemporary jazz scene.

And now we have Weirdo, Thackray’s second full-length album, where her personal experiences resonate throughout, with the title itself reflecting her embrace of individuality. The title alone signals a sense of outsider identity. But more importantly, this album has the power to connect with listeners on a profound level. Her ability to transform pain into art exemplifies the enduring truth behind the cliché: from great pain comes great work.

The first thing that strikes you about this glorious double LP – which plays at 45rpm for enhanced performance – is just how much of a solo record it is. On the 2xLP of Yellow, Thackray listed the musicians on each track, with up to 13 performers involved when strings were used. She does the same here, but aside from two notable guest contributions (which we’ll come to later), every single credit on Weirdo is Emma-Jean Thackray herself. The multi-talented musician provides vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar, Rhodes, synths, drums, and of course, the trumpet – the instrument by which many know her best from collaborations. She recorded most of it herself at her own Movement Studios. This is the very definition of a personal, solo project; she even had a hand in the art direction and layout.

There are 19 wonderful tracks here, beginning with the album-defining opening salvo of ‘Something Wrong With Your Mind’ and ‘Weirdo’ which sets both the thematic and musical tone. This is modern British jazz of the highest order, delivered with soul, spirit and bucketloads of talent. Each track stands strong individually, but together, the record tells a larger story of one woman’s struggles — and how, through the gift of her remarkable talent, she pulls through.

Notable tracks include the aforementioned title track, the funk-infused ‘Save Me’, and the poignant lead single ‘Wanna Die’. There are also two well-executed guest contributions: Reggie Watts on ‘Black Hole’ and the sensational Kassa Overall on ‘It’s Okay’, the only track featuring another instrumentalist.

There’s so much to love in Weirdo. And if this album isn’t at least the token British jazz contender for the Mercury Prize, then either something is very wrong with the judging criteria – or there’s another truly extraordinary album on the horizon. Weirdo is proof that great work can come from great pain – provided you can mobilise the kind of final-boss-level talent that Emma-Jean Thackray is blessed with.

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