Cheapskate releases new album ‘Stumbling’

Hailing from Liverpool and now residing in London, Cheapskate, the musical moniker of the talented multi-instrumentalist and jazz maestro MJ Jackson, has long been a hidden talent in the sphere of jazz pop. Despite years without the backing of a major label, Cheapskate’s artistic output bursts with witty, inventive and beautifully crafted songs, all adorned with a touch of melancholy accent from his Liverpool roots.

Inspired by the hard-bop melodies of Lee Morgan, the storytelling of Georgie Fame and the rhythmic vibrancy of Motown, Cheapskate shapes his music in a laid-back melodic setting. For years he’s been sharing his highly original sonic vision with the world, winning over fans and tastemakers alike.

Making his entrance in 2010, he dropped his debut record Un Film Imaginaire followed up by his first EP Knock Knock Knock the next year. More recently, he’s released a string of singles to critical acclaim in the build up to his latest release, his brand new sophomore album titled Stumbling.

Stumbling deliver a remarkable 11-track journey that stitches threads of jazz, soul and lounge into a vintage sonic fabric. The record invites listeners into Cheapskate’s world, a place defined by his trademark vintage approach to production. With quirky sonic textures supporting fragile vocals and eccentric songwriting, Cheapskate crafts an album that evokes the nostalgia of grainy late-night 70s films, transporting audiences to smokey jazz lounges and scenes of reflection accompanied by whisky sipping.

The thematic context of the album loosely recounts the story of a character waking alone in an apartment, forced to reflect on life choices. Each track represents an emotion in this journey, where wisdom is found in hindsight, yet the character remains unchanged.

Opened by “Lamps,” the artist immediately pulls you into his world full of endless creativity, musicianship flair and intricate arrangement via a bustling experimental jazz cut. Opened by lullaby-esque plinks, the energy shifts with the patter of drums, lively bass lines and clean guitar notes. Adding layers of electric piano, soft vocal touches, pizzicato string plucks and brass shots, he crafts a hazy scene that constantly develops towards a synth-led moments tinged with psychedelic vibes.

“All This Time” follows with a more downtempo approach, crafting a dreamy soundscape of softly tapping percussion, warm electric piano and breezy guitar plucks. Hushed vocal lines weave among delicate woodwind lines, resulting in a charming slice of laid back retro pop brought to life in Cheapskate’s own delightful way.

With the album’s lead single “Are You Lonely Tonight?” he serves up a playful jam shaking with grooving rhythm and vibrant instrumentation, capped by his smooth vocal leads carrying blissful melodic leads. Propelled by the dynamic shuffle of drums and rising with bold brass lines, the ebb and flow of the track bends from subtly rousing energy to airy aesthetic of stripped down arrangement to the catchy main hook that’s sure to see this song sticking with you long after you hear it. Inspired by a scene from the original 1960s Ocean’s 11 film, this track perfectly distils the essence of Cheapskate’s original style.

Other highlights on the record include songs like the instrumental jam “Cash Prizes” with its mellow rhythmic backdrop setting up the perfect foundation for the whimsical instrumental flourishes to create an enjoyable and experimental take on lounge jazz music. “Remember When” opens with a smokey blend of whispered vocals, gently gliding over intricate guitar textures and beautiful sax leads, underpinned by the crisp snap of drums.

The album closes with “W.E.L.C.” with its swung groove setting up a swaying energy of rhythmic Rhodes chords, mellow drums and pulsing bass plucks. Framing an upbeat canvas for various instrumental leads to apply contrasting sonic brush strokes, on the final song Cheapskate paints a piquant picture full of engaging melodic writing and elegant vocal textures throughout.

It’s a superb record that reveals the depths of the artist’s songwriting and arrangement talent, delivered via stellar musicianship and performance panache, all wrapped up and presented in his unique vintage sound design. It’s a timeless collection of music with an intimate feel that’s sure to see Cheapskate charm old fans and win over new listeners.

Commenting on the record, he shares, “With Stumbling I wanted to create a laid back, late night atmosphere and imply the story I pictured in my head. Whether anyone pictures that story is not important. I just want people to hear great music to put their feet up to.”

Listen to Stumbling below