Stimulator Jones is a producer/multi-instrumentalist from Virginia. He released his debut solo album, Exotic Worlds & Masterful Treasures, back in 2018 on Stones Throw. Now he joins up with Oslo label Mutual Intentions to release his sophomore full-length, La Mano.

Stimulator Jones is a type of musician who is becoming more commonplace these days – the do-it-all-yourselfer. Working as his own one-man band as he plays keys, horns, guitar, bass, drums, while also integrating some hip hop and electronic production techniques as well. Over the course of thirteen tracks, we move through jazz, soul, funk, dub, blues, and hip hop. Sometimes Jones will lean on a particular style, but more often than not, he’s working in a combination of influences and just feeling out and building on different grooves. There are two keys to what makes this album work. One is that Jones is an excellent writer and arranger, working really successfully to create these instrumental tracks that mesh all of these influences in interesting and organic ways. The other is that while Jones is laying down all of these tracks by himself, he does an excellent job of making it feel like you’re listening to a live ensemble jamming together in one studio, just feeling each other out and riding these tasty grooves for a while. Any way you slice it, this is a great album to vibe to and escape from the world for just a little bit.

Stimulator Jones might not be a name you’re familiar with yet, but La Mano is an excellent place to start. He’s a really skilled and talented musician with a great ear for grooves who also has a knack for arranging and writing instrumental songs that will stick with you all day.