With a sensibility that might remind you of Jack Johnson, the easy groove here will feel immediately familiar. JPson brings a style of both vocal harmony and beat-making that feels decidedly reggae-influenced, with a natural instrumentalism that includes a classic conga figure, acoustic guitar, and a spirited bass line.

JPson is not the first to put together bass, drums, acoustic guitar in a way that feels both unforced and spiritual. The melodic and lyrical sensibility both give me hints of Bob Marley, and not because of the subtle taste of reggae; it’s that unadorned voice of the inner critic that hooked me:

“What do you see through those eyes?
What do you feel in your mind
when you lay your head down at night?”— JPson

JPson is an artist and songwriter from the shores of South Africa. This song is featured on our Roots Collection playlist.