{"title":"Venna","description":"\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eVenna is a South London saxophonist and producer who has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British jazz. Born Malik Venner, he learned to read music at six years old and picked up the saxophone at twelve, starting his professional career by fourteen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eIn 2020, he won a Grammy Award for his work on Burna Boy's \u003cem\u003eTwice As Tall\u003c\/em\u003e album, where he co-produced 'Alarm Clock' with P2J. His impressive list of collaborations includes Wizkid, Beyoncé, 6lack, Snoh Aalegra, J Hus, AJ Tracey, Greentea Peng and Knucks. He executively produced Knucks' album \u003cem\u003eAlpha Place\u003c\/em\u003e, which debuted at number three in the UK Albums Chart, and is credited with pioneering the fusion of jazz and drill music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eHis debut project \u003cem\u003eVenology\u003c\/em\u003e arrived in 2021, featuring collaborations with Knucks, Jvck James, emil and Jada. In 2025, he released his debut album \u003cem\u003eMALIK\u003c\/em\u003e, named by his mother on the day he was born. Influenced heavily by Terrace Martin and Kendrick Lamar's \u003cem\u003eTo Pimp A Butterfly\u003c\/em\u003e, Venna describes himself as a vessel of the music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"whitespace-normal break-words\"\u003eWhether laying down melodic solos over drill beats or exploring spiritual jazz territories, Venna's saxophone work carries an unmistakable warmth and sophistication that has made him one of the most in-demand musicians in British music.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"venna-malik-vinyl-lp","title":"Venna - Malik (Vinyl LP)","description":"\u003cp\u003eRising saxophonist and composer Venna (real name Malik Venner) announces his arrival with this accomplished self-titled debut, a 13-track statement that establishes him as a distinctive voice in contemporary UK jazz. Released on Cashmere Thoughts, the label co-founded by Yussef Dayes, the album benefits from the acclaimed drummer's presence across much of the record alongside the multitalented Marco Bernardis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVenner's alto saxophone leads throughout, but what sets this album apart is his willingness to explore beyond instrumental jazz. His vocals appear on seven tracks, adding an intimate, personal dimension to compositions that range from the energetic opener \"Numero Uno\" to the contemplative \"My Way\" and the groove-driven \"Alchemy\". This isn't a vocalist dabbling in jazz or a jazz musician awkwardly singing, rather it's a seamless integration that serves the music's emotional core.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interplay between Venner's saxophone, Bernardis' versatile contributions on piano, Rhodes, guitar, tenor saxophone and synthesiser, and Dayes' dynamic drumming creates a rich sonic palette. Tracks like \"Prophet\" and \"Twisting\" showcase the trio's chemistry, while pieces such as \"Veranda\" and \"Indigo\" reveal Venner's compositional range and his ability to craft melodies that linger long after the record ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReleased in 2025, \u003cem\u003eMalik\u003c\/em\u003e captures a young artist confident enough to follow his own path while drawing from the collaborative spirit that defines London's jazz community. This is an impressive debut that suggests even greater things to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe data-testid=\"embed-iframe\" style=\"border-radius:12px\" src=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/embed\/album\/0X8L8zMHTYQr5wX9zeHPqf?utm_source=generator\" width=\"100%\" height=\"352\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e","brand":"Cashmere Thoughts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42578517819451,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0630\/3203\/3339\/files\/a1093851636_10.webp?v=1762312851"}],"url":"https:\/\/lushliferecords.com.au\/collections\/venna.oembed","provider":"Lush Life Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}