The Jack Moves

The Jack Moves
OriginNewark, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres
Years active2012–present
Labels
MembersZee Desmondes
Teddy Powell
Websitewww.thejackmoves.com

The Jack Moves is an American soul and R&B duo from Newark, New Jersey in 2012, consisting of singer and songwriter Zee Desmondes and producer/multi-instrumentalist Teddy Powell. The duo draws inspiration from a wide range of influences, including 1970s soul, funk, and hip-hop, blending them into a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Career

The Jack Moves (2015)

The Jack Moves released their self-titled debut album in 2015 through Wax Poetics.[1] The album was praised for its seamless combination of retro soul influences with modern production aesthetics. It introduced the duo's signature sound, blending skate-punk culture with seaside soul, drawing on the duality of life in their native Newark. The album featured standout tracks like "Doublin' Down," which gained attention for its catchy hooks and smooth production.[2]

Free Money (2018)

In 2018, The Jack Moves released their sophomore album Free Money under Everloving Records. The album marked the duo's growth, continuing their exploration of soul with a stronger focus on funk and R&B elements. Free Money was well-received, with radio station KCRW naming it one of the best albums of the year. Songs like "Money Clouds" and "Red Lights" were praised for their smooth vocals, funky bass lines, and modern take on classic sounds.[3]

Cruiserweight (2022)

The Jack Moves released their third album, Cruiserweight, in 2022 through Everloving Records. Described as their most cinematic and cohesive project to date, the album delves deeper into their Newark roots while incorporating influences from the golden age of soul and funk. Songs like "Lionel Richie," "Seabra," and "Biblical Technology" reflect a broader sonic palette, blending 1980s funk, Philly soul, and symphonic arrangements. Cruiserweight received critical acclaim for its sophisticated production and storytelling, with the legendary Paul Kyser dubbing them "the baddest band in New York City."[4]

Discography

Studio albums

  • The Jack Moves (2015)[5]
  • Free Money (2018)[6]
  • Cruiserweight (2022)[7]

Guest appearances

List of guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Artist(s) Album
"Cold Crush" 2018 Ghostface Killah, La the Darkman, Chris Rivers, Ras Kass Ghost Files - Propane Tapes
"Remain" 2022 9th Wonder, Swank, King Draft ZION VII

Music videos

List of music videos, with selected details
Title Year Director(s)
"Doublin' Down" 2014 n/a[8]
"Seasons Change" 2015 n/a[9]
"Joyride" Poppie van Herwerden[10]
"Make Love" Christian Anwander[11]
"Time & Enemy" 2016 Mohamed Chakiri[12]
"Enough Is Enough" 2021 Zee[13]
"Somebody's Watching You" 2022 —[14]
"Seabra" The Jack Moves & Poppie van Herwerden[15]
"Lionel Richie" The Jack Moves & Pep Kim[16]
"Biblical Technology" 2023 Olita Sommers[17]
"Don't Pretend" Panama Brim[18]

References

  1. ^ Kiku Shinfuku (December 16, 2014). "The Jack Moves is "Doublin' Down" [Video]". Earmilk. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Word Cafe Next: The Jack Moves". NPR. November 23, 2015. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  3. ^ Ben Grenrock (2018-08-16). "POW Premiere: "Money Clouds" by The Jack Moves". passionweiss.com. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
  4. ^ Blake Gillespie (November 3, 2023). "The Jack Moves Put Newark R&B Back on the Map". Bandcamp. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  5. ^ Peter Holslin (December 2, 2015). ""No One's Really Talking About Love Anymore?": An Interview with The Jack Moves". passionweiss.com. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  6. ^ Ben Grenrock (2018-08-16). "POW Premiere: "Money Clouds" by The Jack Moves". passionweiss.com. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
  7. ^ Tayo Odutola (2022-11-19). "The Jack Moves embody the spirit of "Lionel Richie" [Video]". Earmilk. Retrieved 2024-09-03.
  8. ^ "The Jack Moves - Doublin' Down". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "The Jack Moves - Seasons Change". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ "The Jack Moves - Joyride". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ "The Jack Moves - Make Love". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  12. ^ "Time & Enemy - The Jack Moves". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ "The Jack Moves "Enough Is Enough" feat. Panama Brim". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ "The Jack Moves - Somebody's Watching You". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ "The Jack Moves - Seabra". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  16. ^ "The Jack Moves - Lionel Richie". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  17. ^ "The Jack Moves - Biblical Technology". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.
  18. ^ "The Jack Moves - Don't Pretend". Retrieved September 9, 2024 – via YouTube.