Single Review: Ride

Auckland based musician/DJ/producer/saxophonist, Matt Bizzle has been active within the New Zealand music scene for many years (including stints with Cornerstone Roots, Strangely Arousing and Jupiter Project among others) before more recently branching out on his own. Through 2018 and 2019, Matt Bizzle has released a number of singles culminating in the most recent release Ride, which also features Emily Rice (Aro).

Ride is a chilled out, cool, neo-jazz/pop fusion seemingly custom-designed for the wind-down in the wee hours of the morning, or the quiet Sunday chill but with just enough energy to avoid the chill-out cliches. Guest vocalist Emily Rice’s voice is an aural treat, silky smooth and flawlessly expressive, and the track’s instrumentation and production really brings her voice to the fore, showcasing her stunning vocal.

Ride also drops into one of the coolest instrumental/saxophone breaks that I have heard in a very long time. Just as the track feels like it is drawing to a close, Matt Bizzle’s skills as a saxophonist are displayed. Both sensual and bordering on chaotic, this sax break brings the jazz back into the track at just the right time to reignite the song and continue to hold the listener right where Matt Bizzle wants them!

A great track, with beautiful production, mixing and mastering, Ride is a statement of intent. It is designed to grab attention, and it definitely has mine.