Fat Produce puts new spin on soul-jazz classics with 7” single release

BY: DIGITAL WAX MEDIA STAFF

Miami-based trio Fat Produce is back with a new 7-inch single that pays tribute to their deep musical roots while carving out space in the modern soul-jazz scene. Led by guitarist Addison Rifkind and drummer Michael Duffy, and joined by upright bassist Nestor Del Prado, the trio puts their own spin on two classic tracks: “No Way” and “54-46 Was My Number.”

Known for their tight grooves, vintage sensibility, and crate-digging spirit, Fat Produce blends soul, jazz, and funk into something that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. Their live shows are built on deep cuts and original compositions, with an ear for groove and a sharp focus on musicianship. This new release captures that same energy in the studio.

Side A features “No Way,” originally composed by Boogaloo Joe Jones, a key figure in 1970s soul-jazz. Fat Produce’s version expands the tune’s depth without losing its original pulse. Rifkind’s guitar work leads the way with a melodic clarity that’s both expressive and locked-in, while Duffy and Del Prado keep the rhythm grounded and fluid. The track stays true to the spirit of the original but adds a modern edge, one which is warmer, fuller, and tailor-made for today’s funk and jazz heads.

On the flip side is “54-46 Was My Number,” a staple from Toots & The Maytals’ reggae catalog. In Fat Produce’s hands, the song becomes a genre-melding instrumental experience which transforms Toots’ iconic vocal line into a lyrical guitar lead. It’s a bold move that works, with the trio leaning into the groove and reinterpreting the song through a soul-jazz lens. The resulting track that manages to feel fresh while retaining its original character.

Both cuts serve as a preview of what’s to come by way of Fat Produce’s sophomore LP, slated for release in October 2025. While the group built their foundation on a mix of original work and deep track reinterpretations, this single is indicative of a desire not to revisiting the past, but to reshaping it. The approach honors the source material while giving each track a fresh voice.

The trio’s dynamic is key. Rifkind’s guitar tone is clean and confident, weaving through melodies with a natural feel. Duffy’s drumming is crisp and tight, balancing restraint and flair. Del Prado, a standout on upright bass, glues everything together with tone and groove that sit deep in the pocket.

With No Way and 54-46 Was My Number, Fat Produce continues to evolve the soul-jazz trio format, combining technical musicianship with an ear for timeless rhythm. These tracks aren’t just covers, they’re reimagined statements delivered with a deep respect for the source and a clear point of view.

The single is available now on 7-inch vinyl and streaming platforms through F-Spot Records, offering listeners a small but potent taste of what’s coming next. If these two tracks are any indication, the new album is shaping up to be another step forward for a band that knows where it’s been, and exactly where it wants to go.

Fat Produce’s Addison Rifkind and Michael Duffy by: Adam Walker