Inspired by chapters from The Alchemist author Paulo Coelho’s lesser known book, Manuscript Found In Accra, “Solitude” extols the benefits of time spent with oneself. With rapid fire bars over a stripped down raw instrumental, driven by live drums and upright bass, emcee’s JSWISS and Dizzy SenZe trade verses over composer Michael Leonhart’s gritty production. This early effort from Michael Leonhart & JSWISS as a duo is what led to their full length Bona Fide album, released in 2022.
Dizzy SenZe has carved out a strong presence as a respected lyricist in New York City’s freestyle and cypher scene with strong showings at popular emcee challenges like End of The Weak. While JSWISS and Dizzy have known each other for a few years prior to this collab, “Solitude” is their first time appearing together on a song.
“Solitude” features Homer Steinweiss (Amy Winehouse, Menahan Street Band, El Michels Affair, The Dap-Kings) on drums and bassist Joe Martin (Donald Fagen, Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel)—who was in the mix for JSWISS’ first performances with the Michael Leonhart Orchestra at Jazz Standard in 2019. The undeniable chemistry between Leonhart and JSWISS during these live shows inspired them to start writing and recording new music.
_________________________________________________________________________
With its cinematic mood and compelling groove, “Bona Fide" is a fitting title track for the debut album from the duo Michael Leonhart (producer/multi- instrumentalist) & JSWISS (emcee). The high level of lyricism and dynamic feel are key characteristics of the work they create together.
"Bona Fide" is defined as “genuine"and “real", an apt description of the partnership. Leonhart & JSWISS come together from two different musical worlds, organically intersecting at a place where their outlooks and backgrounds create genre-bending music. It's the type of record that's gold for a pure hip-hop head, but also has an energy and groove that anyone with a heartbeat can get into.
The Side B “Instrumental” showcases the rock-solid swagger of Nicholas Movshon (drums), Elizabeth Pupo-Walker (congas) and Leonhart (bass) with flourishes of harpsichord and upright piano along with dusty choir and strings courtesy of Leonhart’s mellotron.
Bundle Contains:
- x1 copy of Solitude (7'')
- x1 copy of Bona Fide (7")
Solitude (feat. Dizzy SenZe)
Solitude (Instrumental)
Bona Fide
Bona Fide (Instrumental)
Important information when ordering with Fatbeats.com
Order Processing Time
Online orders are processed within *3-4 business days or *7-9 business days depending on availability.
Order processing time is separate from shipping time requested.
Pre-Orders
We try and offer as many upcoming projects available for pre-order when the releases have moved into production. However, due to the nature of manufacturing and production, pre-order dates may change. If your pre-ordered items are holding your package from arriving please email us with a request to ship the in-stock items and pre-orders when they become available.
If your order contains pre-order items we will hold the package until all titles are available to ship. Please specify in the comments section of the checkout if you would like to: a) hold your entire order until it can be entirely fulfilled or, b) have the in-stock items shipped immediately and the pre-ordered items ship when available. Please note that option B may require additional shipping charges as multiple packages will be shipped.
Out of Stock Items
Our stock rapidly changes and we try and set in place a system that avoids purchasing items that become out of stock. However, if a product ordered is out of stock or on back-order, we will reach out and give you the chance to change or cancel your order. If you choose to cancel, you will be refunded in full.
Digital Items
If your order contains digital items you will receive a digital download link after checkout and it will also be sent to the email provided at checkout.
Return Policy
All sales are final. However, if the item ordered is different from the item you receive, please contact us and we can arrange to get you the desired product.
