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Jaz Vernon, who has a knack for combining the soulful flavor of 90s R&B with a modern sensibility, is back with “Too Tense,” a new R&B single. A native of Far Rockaway, Queens, he has spent years honing a style based on musicianship, melody and emotional expression. This new release is yet another chapter of that journey, holding the warmth of classic R&B but creating space for a more modern perspective to rise.
He started early with piano being a big start before branching out into trumpet and drums. Vernon’s upbringing provides an innate sense of rhythm and musical composition that still shapes his creative identity. Behind “Too Tense” is a perspective that appreciates the importance of feeling and musical detail without giving up the easygoing nature that has long defined R&B.
There’s a smoothness to Vernon’s work that feels connected to the golden era of the genre, but his approach doesn’t become a simple recreation of the past. There are nods to the emotional language of ’90s R&B, but contemporary flourishes ensure the material never feels dated. “Too Tense” is a perfect fit in that space, with an intimate, polished and easy-to-sink-into atmosphere as the song continues.
Vernon’s evolving sound stems from his longstanding creative relationship with in-house producer Gamal. The two have been working together since 2015, giving them years to learn each other’s instincts and establish a creative process that continues to impact Vernon’s music. This kind of familiarity can be heard in the confidence around the release, with the collaboration being a significant part of the sound he has been building toward his upcoming project.
For Jaz Vernon, the journey has never been about just writing songs. Over the years he has sharpened his craft on several instruments and honed his artistic direction to aid his desire to be among the greats of the industry. Far Rockaway, Queens is an important part of his story, and his musical influences and ongoing work with Gamal have helped create an identity that feels uniquely his own. “Too Tense” adds another piece to that growing picture.
This gives a promising peek at the direction ahead as Vernon prepares audiences for his next project “Too Tense.” The release is built on a strong foundation, blending soulful influences, contemporary R&B sensibilities and years of musical development. There is a definite sense of appreciation for what the genre has been, and an ambition to add something of his own. “Jaz Vernon is continuing to create a sound that will take his story far beyond Far Rockaway. More music is on the horizon.”