Bernell Jones II drops jazz fusion single '1979' with Julius Rodriguez

By AI, Created 1:16 PM UTC, June 04, 2026, /AGP/ – Bernell Jones II released the groove-heavy jazz fusion single “1979,” featuring keyboardist Julius Rodriguez, on June 4, 2026. The track ties back to Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall era and shows how Jones is expanding his live, analog-minded sound beyond contemporary jazz circles.

Why it matters: - Bernell Jones II is using “1979” to connect jazz fusion with the broader feel of 1970s pop, disco and modern improvisation. - The single extends Jones’ push to make jazz more accessible to listeners outside the genre while keeping the music rooted in live performance. - Julius Rodriguez’s synth work adds a high-profile collaboration to a track built for headphone listening, clubs and late-night drives.

What happened: - Bernell Jones II released the single “1979” on June 4, 2026. - The Memphis-born, New York-based saxophonist and composer features keyboardist Julius Rodriguez on the track. - The song arrives as a groove-heavy jazz fusion release shaped by smoky textures, lo-fi warmth, 70s disco influence and modern jazz improvisation. - Jones describes the release as part tribute to musical legacy and part statement about his evolving artistic identity.

The details: - Jones wrote “1979” during the 2020 lockdown period in a small New York bedroom. - The original version was part of a self-recorded Bandcamp project. - Jones played nearly every instrument on that early version. - Over the next five years, Jones developed the song with a consistent live band. - Jones rebuilt the track with a larger sound centered on live chemistry, analog atmosphere and synth-driven grooves. - Jones brought in Julius Rodriguez to complete that vision. - Rodriguez is known for mixing jazz, avant-garde, hip-hop, R&B and experimental influences. - Rodriguez contributes a signature synth solo that gives the record a cinematic feel. - The title “1979” refers to the year Michael Jackson released Off The Wall. - Jones says Off The Wall had a major impact on him as a child and as a musician. - Jones said he did not want to recreate the album sonically. - Jones said he wanted to capture the mood and feeling the album gave him. - The track combines funk basslines, shimmering synth textures, fluid saxophone melodies and restrained rhythmic swagger. - Jones has performed with Olivia Dean, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Eric Bellinger, Philip Harper and Julius Rodriguez. - Jones has also built an online following through music-comedy content and the documentary-style series What It’s Like Being a Musician in NYC. - Jones released his debut album TYPEWRITER in 2024. - TYPEWRITER mixed jazz, gospel, blues, R&B and modern groove influences.

Between the lines: - “1979” suggests Jones is positioning himself as both a traditional jazz player and a cross-genre storyteller. - The song’s long development cycle points to a shift from solo bedroom recording toward a more polished live-band identity. - Rodriguez’s role reinforces the idea that Jones is aiming for jazz fusion with wider commercial and cultural reach. - Jones’ social-media presence and comedic content help explain how he is building an audience beyond standard jazz listeners.

What’s next: - Jones appears to be continuing the trajectory set by TYPEWRITER, using new releases to widen his audience. - “1979” may signal more music built around live performance, analog texture and genre-blending collaboration. - Jones’ ongoing work suggests he will keep pairing jazz musicianship with content that travels well online.

The bottom line: - “1979” is both a tribute record and a forward-looking statement about where Bernell Jones II wants jazz fusion to go next.