Oscar Jerome

Biography

Oscar Jerome is a British guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter born in Norwich, England, who has become a prominent figure in London’s vibrant jazz and soul scene. Growing up in a musically supportive family, he began guitar lessons at age eight and was performing in bands by age eleven, initially inspired by rock and grunge acts like Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine. His formal music education took place at the esteemed Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, where he honed his jazz technique and deepened his appreciation for artists such as George Benson, Wes Montgomery, and John Coltrane.

After moving to London, Jerome quickly established himself among the city’s leading jazz musicians, blending jazz, soul, hip-hop, and funk into a distinctive sound marked by virtuosic guitar work and introspective lyricism. He gained international recognition as a founding member and composer for the afrobeat collective Kokoroko, notably penning their breakout single 'Abusey Junction.' Jerome’s solo career flourished with acclaimed releases like his debut album 'Breathe Deep' and the introspective follow-up 'The Spoon,' the latter written during a period of personal reflection in Berlin. His live performances have taken him across Europe, the US, and Australia, including supporting Kamasi Washington on tour.

Oscar Jerome’s music is celebrated for its emotional sincerity and genre-blurring innovation, drawing from a wide palette of influences and collaborations. He remains a central figure in the UK’s new wave of jazz, regularly working with peers such as Moses Boyd, Shabaka Hutchings, and Lianne La Havas, and is recognized for both his technical mastery and his willingness to address personal and political themes in his songwriting.

Fun Facts

• Oscar Jerome wrote much of his second album, 'The Spoon,' while living alone in Berlin during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the time for personal reflection and growth.
• He was inspired by both jazz legends and 1990s rock and hip-hop, crediting skateboarding culture and games like Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 for introducing him to new genres.
• Jerome’s composition 'Abusey Junction' with Kokoroko has amassed over 30 million YouTube streams, becoming a modern jazz classic.
• He was named one of The Guardian's 'One To Watch' in 2020 and has performed at major festivals and venues worldwide, including Glastonbury and Electric Brixton.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Benson - Stylistic influence, particularly in jazz guitar technique (General influence on guitar style) [Early teens onward]
• Wes Montgomery - Stylistic influence, especially in jazz improvisation (General influence on guitar style) [Early teens onward]
• John Coltrane - Inspirational figure for jazz composition and improvisation (General influence on approach to jazz) [Late teens onward]
• Rage Against the Machine - Influenced Jerome's political songwriting and musical energy (General influence, especially on tracks like 'Feed The Pigs') [Childhood and adolescence]

Key Collaborators

• Kokoroko - Founding member, composer, and guitarist ('Abusey Junction' and other Kokoroko recordings) [2017–present]
• Moses Boyd - Frequent collaborator in London's jazz scene, live and studio (Live performances, collaborative sessions) [2016–present]
• Shabaka Hutchings - Collaborator in the London jazz community (Live and studio collaborations) [2016–present]
• Lianne La Havas - Collaborator, shared live performances and studio work (Live shows, guest appearances) [2019–present]
• Joe Armon-Jones - Collaborator, live and studio sessions (Live performances, studio recordings) [2018–present]
• Ezra Collective - Collaborator within the London jazz scene (Shared performances, studio sessions) [2017–present]
• Poppy Ajudha - Collaborator, live and studio work (Live shows, studio collaborations) [2018–present]
• Jordan Rakei - Collaborator, studio and live performances (Live shows, studio collaborations) [2019–present]

Artists Influenced

• No widely documented direct proteges or students - Jerome is recognized as an influential figure in the UK jazz scene, inspiring younger musicians and peers through his work with Kokoroko and his solo output. (Kokoroko's 'Abusey Junction', solo albums) [2017–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. No Need - Edit
2. Do You Really
3. Idiom (feat. Oscar Jerome)
4. Easier
5. Shedding
6. Sun For Someone (Breathe Deep)
7. Smell The Daisies
8. No Need - Extended Mix
9. Gravitate (Breathe Deep)
10. Far Too Much - Edit

External Links

• Spotify