After years of discussing the idea, Ashley Slater and Czech Hammond organist Jan Korinek have finally brought their musical partnership to life with This Is Fucking Nice. The debut album from Ashley Slater’s Heptet blends jazz, funk, soul, and groove-driven improvisation through a collection of reworked originals, Freak Power favourites, and inspired covers that have shaped Slater’s musical journey.
Released on May 29, 2026, the album finds Slater revisiting familiar material from a fresh perspective. Alongside reimagined versions of his own compositions and Freak Power tracks, the record also includes interpretations of songs by Paul Simon, one of the earliest influences on his musical development. Rather than simply revisiting the past, the Heptet reshapes these songs through bold arrangements, rich brass textures, and the unmistakable sound of Hammond organ.
The project grew out of a friendship that began more than a decade ago in Prague. When Slater relocated to Chemnitz, Germany, in 2022, the distance between the two musicians suddenly became much smaller, creating the opportunity to turn years of conversation into a working band. Together, they developed the concept of an expanded organ trio, replacing the traditional guitar with a four-piece horn section made up of trumpet, trombone, tenor saxophone, and baritone saxophone.
That approach gives the album much of its identity. The brass section often takes on roles typically associated with guitar, delivering tightly arranged riffs, rhythmic interplay, and layers of harmony that drive the music forward. Combined with Korinek’s Hammond organ work, the result is a sound that feels full, energetic, and constantly in motion.
Recorded at Golden Hive Studios in Prague, the sessions were intentionally stripped back. Six musicians performed together in the room, recording multiple takes without click tracks or heavy reliance on digital editing. Vocals were later added at Slater’s studio in Chemnitz, but the foundation of the album comes from the chemistry of musicians responding to one another in real time. It is an approach Slater describes as “the antidote to AI,” placing human interaction at the centre of the creative process.
Among the album’s highlights is a reimagined version of Freak Power’s “Turn On Tune In Cop Out,” which has already drawn praise from radio presenters and DJs who have embraced its new direction. Another standout arrives with “Still Crazy After All These Years,” which opens with a vibrant New Orleans-inspired brass arrangement before settling into a beautifully understated performance.
The release also arrives during a particularly significant chapter in Slater’s life. Aware that he was about to begin treatment for a serious illness, he was determined to complete the record while the band was still together and the music remained fresh. That sense of purpose runs throughout This Is Fucking Nice, an album built on long-standing friendships, shared influences, and a commitment to capturing musicians at their most connected.
Listen Here:bandcamp.com/album/this-is-fucking-nice-2
Follow Ashley Slater: @ashleyslater247/