Denver-based supergroup Nitecap has teamed up with acclaimed soul vocalist Jarrod Lawson for their latest single, Long Haul, a jazz-funk track exploring commitment and perseverance in love. The song is part of the band’s upcoming debut album, Things of That Nature, set for release on April 4, 2025, via Perception Records.
Formed by seasoned musicians Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Joshua Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), and Drew Birch (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), Nitecap combiness modern jazz-funk, soul, and fusion with synth-heavy textures and tight grooves. Since September, the band has been steadily releasing singles, giving listeners a preview of their sound.
Lawson, a standout in Portland’s soul scene, rose to international recognition with his self-titled debut album, winning ‘Soul Artist of the Year’ at the Jazz FM Awards. He has long admired Deitch’s drumming, citing the Überjam album by John Scofield as a major influence. When Deitch invited him to collaborate on Long Haul, Lawson eagerly accepted, crafting the lyrics and melodies while on tour.
Reflecting on the recording process, Lawson shared: “I worked on lyrics and melodic ideas during airport layovers, and five days later, I was back in the studio. I knocked out all the vocals in one day, sent the track to Adam, and he responded, ‘Yes bro!! This is it!!!!’” The song’s lyrics emphasize resilience in relationships, with Lawson declaring, “No matter how many times we fall, I’m here for the long haul.”
Keyboardist Ian Gilley originally composed the track’s foundation, but it wasn’t until Lawson’s contribution that he fully embraced its potential. “Hearing Jarrod’s vocals made this one of the most amazing pieces of music I’ve been part of,” Gilley noted.
Nitecap originated from late-night jam sessions among longtime friends, evolving into a fully realized project rooted in groove-driven compositions and forward-thinking production. Alongside Lawson, Things of That Nature will feature guest appearances from Nigel Hall (Lettuce), Brittany Beckett (Watermelon Funk), and Collin Miller. The album’s ten tracks transition between electro-funk instrumentals and soul-driven vocal performances.