12 O’Clock Club – 160 To Cairo (Single Review)

Did you miss some nice improvisational and free-flowing jazz? Here you go:

12 O’Clock Club is a new jazz project launched by Antonio Val, marking his entrance on the big scene once again with this three-track collection of singles. Never heard of them before?

Let me quickly introduce you to this contemporary jazz project from London, whose ambitions are to make waves in the scene with live recordings, new releases, and festival appearances in 2026. Originally, the project seemed like a remote collaboration between different artists; however, the numerous sessions with an outstanding cast truly elevated its significance—whether through the collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Lewis Taylor, slated for release in June–July 2025, or Val’s acceptance of mentorship inspiring him to switch to in-studio recording.

And after three remotely recorded singles, it was time:

Before that, Val took a decade-long hiatus from the music industry, focusing on family, life, and adrenaline-pumping activities like motor racing and skydiving—experiences that became the emotional foundation of his work. As he reflects, “There was something unresolved from the past—and I finally had something to say.” He continues, “These compositions are rooted in real life: joy, contradictions, grief, even parking tickets. It’s all in there.”

After such a quick rundown of the band’s history, I think we’re finally ready to dive into what 160 to Cairo presents—and from the very first listen, it feels absolutely cinematic.

The self-titled track “160 to Cairo” instantly immerses you in a grand soundscape, softly supported by illuminating instrumentals. With subtle orchestration and a steady growth from strings that smoothly transition into horns and other jazz-inherent accompaniment, 12 O’Clock Club demonstrates rhythmic perfection.

I absolutely love how improvisational yet intentional these tracks sound. On “160 to Cairo,” Val cascades from an epic brass section to a slower, more delicate passage. That mix of intention and fluidity makes listening almost kaleidoscopic.

In the next track, “The Document,” the artist continues dominating the free-form jazz vibe, adding a call-and-response structure that feels like a conversation between drums and those lush horns. Throughout my listening, I couldn’t help but notice how smooth and elegant it sounds.

Val highlights uplifting tones through a driving structure that easily mixes subtle psychedelia. It’s not just a regular jazz vibe echoing older legends; instead, he adds minimal touches that bring texture and sophistication.

The outro, “Classy Joint,” steps away from the free-flowing structure and driving sense of “The Document,” opting for a silkier, velvety tone. However, don’t get me wrong—12 O’Clock Club still builds tension effectively, especially after incorporating guitar, giving the track a balanced feel. While it nods to the head-bobbing structure of earlier tracks, it feels more like a resolution to a larger narrative.

I must say, after discovering this band, I’m absolutely in love with how Val creates and builds tension so effortlessly. Those jazzy extensions, with repeated, motif-driven bridges, present a richly melodic and stylistic sound.

Score/ Excellent: “160 to Cairo” offers a fresh take on jazz while retaining beloved elements of the classics. Its minimalism creates a brooding, grand atmosphere, previewing comforting melodies that feel hypnotic.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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