MYLES SANKO TALKS MEMORIES OF LOVE

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

Jazz has never had this much soul. Your fourth album is one that jazz-enthusiasts will love, but I truly think you've found a sweet spot which will appeal to just about anyone. How did you kinda find your way to this rich sound?

You can hear me finding my way through my three previous albums. I am a soul singer that loves jazz so I try to bring those two worlds together in a way that I find moving. I try to bring the deep passion of soul and arrange it around jazz instrumentation. I'm still trying to prefect it but most of all I'll create what feels good to me.

Do you feel like jazz is at a good place right now?

Absolutely it is! There is a young generation making it cool and accessible to all. But it all depends what type of jazz you are talking about. Elements of what jazz is are everywhere already, whether people know it or not.

Jazz music in so many ways are born on stage. What has it been like arranging music in a year like this when live music really has gotten side-tracked?

I arrange and record music to perform it on stage, to then re-arrange it through improv to make it really come alive. There is no better place to do that whilst in front of an audience and getting instant feedback. This past year has been hard as I greatly miss being on stage but I know that it will come back again soon so I just need to hold on a little longer. I write material everyday but documenting my emotions through music!

How long did you work on this new album for?

Three months to write and arrange the music, then about six months to finish my lyrics.

Did you record this with the band you are usually with?

Always with the band I tour with and most of my fellow musicians have been with me since the first album.

‘Memories of Love’ is ten songs telling stories of love, what made this a subject that you wanted to approach?

I've always wanted to write a love album and comfort love like I've need done before. It has been a truly enjoyable process creating this album because of that.

Why is love such a recurring theme in music?

Because love is powerful, and just like music it is a part of our lives whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.

I would love to ask about every story on the album but I will let the songs speak for themselves. But I would want to hear about two of my favourites, 'Never My Friend' and 'Broken', what inspired those two?

'Never My Friend' is a reflection of my younger years. Feeling that I will never find true love. I will move in and out of relationships hoping to fine this one person who would return the feelings I felt for them. To let me stay just a little longer in their bed and give just a little more than the physical attraction we shared. 'Broken' is a tale about the endurance of true love. My marriage has always had its ups and downs but the one thing I know is that the love I share with my wife is not broken and only need to be consistently nurtured.

Do you have a favourite of your own?

'Whatever You Are' will be one of my top favourites. This song is about my son and for my son. It was inspired by a Martin Luther King speech, advising that no matter what you choose to be in life just be the best of whatever you are. The brightest star is just as dazzling as the mighty sun. It is now my turn to be a father and help guide the way and not get in the way.

While your father is French your mother is Ghanaian, and that was where you lived in your early years, was music something you already found at that time?

Yes that is correct. I was born in Accra, Ghana in 1980 and lived in Africa until the age of eleven before moving to Cambridge. I found music in my teenage years but the foundations was founded whilst living in Africa, with life having a very strong essence rhythm.

Now based in the South of France near the Spanish border, not the worst place to be, especially with its rich art scenes. With big cities shutting down, how has being there shaped your creativity. Do your surroundings inspire you?

Yes there are worse places to be. I love being in nature as it strongly inspires me creativity. I've never lived in big cites as I find them a little overwhelming and can only handle it for a few days at a time. I'm truly lucky to be living where I am at the moment especially at a time like this.

With much uncertainty, what are your hopes for being back on stage this year?

It's really hard to plan anything at the moment because the rules keep changing by the day. I am however hopeful that we will find some normality soon and then I will be back doing what I love doing the most. I do have my fingers crossed for a few concerts this summer!