Biography
Natural Lateral is a London-based nu jazz band formed organically through spontaneous jam sessions at the Lazy Robot Studio in North London over the past few years leading up to their debut release. The four-piece group consists of Aziz Mustafa, Ozan Nidayi, Oli Arlotto, Malte From, and Tim Balasubramaniam, blending rhythmic elements from funk and Latin jazz with syncopated odd meter timings. Their music draws from a diverse range of influences including Azymuth, Soft Machine, Coltrane, and Lonnie Liston Smith, creating a fusion that ventures into new territory while remaining steeped in jazz traditions.[3]
The band released their debut LP Cogito Ergo Jam on October 28, 2019, via the Social Joy label, marking their entry into the nu jazz scene with the single 'Bossa Blue'. They followed with a second album, Tapestry of Life, which features transcendental elements like sax and flute contributions from Tamar Osborn's project Collocutor, emphasizing a studio ethos of creative freedom. Natural Lateral's work ethic and jam-session origins have positioned them as an emerging act in the London jazz underground, with low mainstream popularity (Spotify rating of 4) but growing recognition among niche audiences.[3][4][6][7]
While still developing their career, Natural Lateral continues to release music through Social Joy Records, showcasing their open-minded approach to jazz fusion. Their discography reflects a progression from debut explorations to more expansive, collaborative soundscapes, contributing to the vibrant nu jazz landscape without a defined legacy yet established.
Fun Facts
- The band formed spontaneously from endless jam sessions at North London's Lazy Robot Studio, embodying their name 'Natural Lateral' as a nod to organic, sideways creative flows.
- Their debut album Cogito Ergo Jam playfully references Descartes' 'Cogito ergo sum' (I think therefore I am), twisted into 'I jam therefore I am,' highlighting their improvisational roots.
- Despite nu jazz roots, they venture into 'syncopated odd meter timings' inspired by prog jazz acts like Soft Machine.
- Their second album Tapestry of Life was crowdfunded on Bandcamp, supported by 36 fans.
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- Tamar Osborn's Collocutor - guest musicians providing sax and flute (Tapestry of Life) [post-2019]
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Natural Lateral has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 24, 2026 | 06:59 | Houdini's Notesfrom Tapestry of Life | The Morning Setw/ Fox Duhon or Mark LaMaire |